Bassinet accessory for playard

Abstract

To provide an improved bassinet accessory.SOLUTION: A bassinet accessory for a foldable playard, where the bassinet and playard are folded and unfolded together. When unfolded, the bassinet is relatively shallow from a top of the playard so that a caregiver may more easily place a child into, and remove the child from, the bassinet. A bassinet mattress is supported by a central hub on the bottom of the bassinet and four support tubes coupled to the hub and extending to respective bottom corners of the bassinet. During folding, the bassinet hub travels in a vertical direction and the support tubes rotate from a horizontal to a vertical position, becoming parallel with respective legs of the playard.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 48

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 021,950, entitled "X-Frame Playard with Toppers," filed May 8, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 962,435, entitled "X-Frame Playard," filed January 17, 2020, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. [Background technology]

[0002] A play yard (also referred to herein as a "play pen" or "game bed") is a framed enclosure that provides a safe and comfortable space for a young child (e.g., infant, toddler) to sleep and play with little or no supervision from a caregiver. A play yard typically includes a support structure (e.g., a frame) that outlines the interior space of the play yard. A play yard also includes soft padding (also referred to herein as "soft goods") that is placed within the interior space and provides a partially enclosed, cushioned space to accommodate a child. Play yards are generally foldable and / or collapsible to improve portability. For example, a caregiver can fold the play yard for storage and / or transportation and unfold the play yard for use. Various types of play yards have been manufactured and commercialized over the years, with designs that have evolved in part depending on whether the play yard is used primarily in outdoor or indoor environments.

[0003] FIG. 1A shows one example of a conventional outdoor play yard 10a in an extended configuration. As shown, the play yard 10a includes a frame 46 with a plurality of X-shaped frame assemblies 20a that outline the interior space 11. Each X-shaped frame assembly 20a includes X-shaped tubes 22a and 22b that form a cross pattern. In this example, the X-shaped frame assembly 20a is a pivot-only X-shaped frame assembly, and the X-shaped tubes 22a and 22b are only rotatably connected to each other and to the other X-shaped tubes such that the frame 46 is collapsible. As shown in the exploded view inserted in FIG. 1A, the play yard 10a is provided with a latch mechanism 16 that is attached to the X-shaped tubes 22a and 22b and locks the X-shaped frame assembly 20a in place when extended. Soft goods 12 are attached to the X-frame assembly 20a and disposed along the sides and floor of the interior space 11 to provide a partially enclosed space 13 for a child that is shaped and / or sized to be similar to or smaller than the interior space 11 of the frame 46. As shown, the soft goods 12 include webbing 14 along the top edge of the partially enclosed space 13, which acts as a top rail and increases the mechanical stiffness and stability of the play yard 10a when the play yard 10a is unfolded. FIG. 1A also shows that the play yard 10a includes a canopy cover 40 that is disposed above the partially enclosed space 13 and attached to the X-frame assembly 20a to provide shade for a child.

[0004] 1B shows another example of a conventional outdoor play yard 10b. As shown, the play yard 10b includes a frame 46 with a plurality of pivotable and slidable X-shaped frame assemblies 20b connected to adjacent leg support assemblies 24. Each leg support assembly 24 includes a leg tube 25, a corner portion (hidden under the soft goods 12) at the top of the leg tube 25, and a slider 26a or 26b that slides along the leg tube 25. The X-shaped tubes 22a and 22b of each X-shaped frame assembly 20 are connected to the respective sliders 26a and / or 26b and corner portions of the leg support assembly 24. Thus, when the play yard 10b is folded or extended, the X-shaped tubes 22a and 22b are both rotated and displaced along the leg tube 25 via the sliders 26a and / or 26b. Compared to the pivot-only X-frame assembly 20a of the play yard 10a, the pivotable and slidable X-frame assembly 20b of the play yard 10b allows the play yard 10b to fold more compactly and therefore occupy less space in the folded configuration. Additionally, the pivotable and slidable X-frame assembly 20b allows the frame 46 to provide a larger interior space 11 and therefore a larger partially enclosed space 13 for a child when the play yard 10b is in an extended configuration.

[0005] As before, the soft goods 12 can be attached to the leg support assembly 24 and / or the X-frame assembly 20b. The play yard 10b also includes a pair of latch mechanisms 16a and 16b that are attached to sliders 26b on the leg support assembly 24 disposed on opposite sides of the play yard 10b. As shown in the inset of FIG. 1B, the slider 26b differs from the slider 26a by including features for locking the latch mechanisms 16a and 16b. The play yard 10b also includes a canopy cover 40 that is disposed above the partially enclosed space 13 and attached to the corners of the leg support assembly 24.

[0006] FIG. 1C shows an example of a conventional indoor play yard 10c. As shown, the play yard 10c includes a frame 46 formed of a plurality of legs 30 and a rigid top rail 32 to provide a rigid frame supporting the soft goods 12. The frame 46 also includes a bottom support structure 34 so that the floor of the partially enclosed space 13 defined by the soft goods 12 is suspended off the ground. Compared to the outdoor play yard 10a and 10b, the indoor play yard 10c does not include an X-shaped frame assembly to facilitate folding and / or extending. Instead, the top rail 32 is connected to a hinge 36, which allows the play yard 10c to be folded into a smaller configuration as shown in FIG. 1D. Additionally, the bottom support structure 34 is also foldable. Thus, to fold the play yard 10c, the caregiver must first remove some of the soft goods 12, pull up the bottom hub to fold the bottom support structure 34 (step "A" in FIG. 1D), and then unlock and fold the top rails 32 (step "B" in FIG. 1D). The caregiver must perform these steps in reverse to set up the play yard 10c.

[0007] FIG. 1C also shows that the play yard 10c includes a bassinet accessory 60 that is disposed within the partially enclosed space 13 and provides an elevated surface above the ground to support a child. The elevated surface can reduce the physical strain experienced by a caregiver when placing and / or removing their child from the play yard 10c by providing a more accessible and easier to reach space compared to the bottom of the play yard 10c. The elevated surface of the bassinet accessory 60 also allows the caregiver to more easily monitor their child as well. Conventional bassinet accessories are typically configured to support infants and / or children weighing less than 15 pounds. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The inventors have recognized and appreciated that a collapsible play yard provides a caregiver with a convenient and safe space for their child to play and / or sleep once the play yard is set up, which alleviates the caregiver from having to continuously monitor their child. However, the inventors have also recognized that in some cases, traditional play yards can be cumbersome to set up and / or store, due in part to the complex mechanisms for folding, extending, latching, and / or unlatching the play yard (and the correspondingly protracted procedures that the caregiver must perform while generally caring for their child). The complexity of traditional play yards also results in a bulkier product, which is more difficult to handle and more expensive to manufacture and to purchase as a consumer.

[0009] First, the inventors observed that conventional play yards typically include various support structures in addition to their frames to provide a more rigid boundary that outlines the interior space to better accommodate a child and / or to increase the mechanical rigidity and stability of the frame. In many cases, one or more additional support structures are added to the frame of a conventional play yard to ensure that the play yard meets various consumer safety standards related to the mechanical properties of the frame (e.g., American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F406-19, entitled "Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs / Play Yards").

[0010] 1A and 1B, as discussed above, the frame 46 of each of the playards 10a and 10b includes an X-shaped frame assembly 20a and 20b for facilitating folding and / or extending the frame 46. When extended, the X-shaped frame assemblies 20a and 20b are disposed along respective sides of the frame 46, thus providing a mechanically rigid and stable structure.

[0011] However, FIG. 1A shows that the X-tubes 22a and 22b of the X-frame assembly 20a in the play yard 10a splay out to the side of the frame 46 when extended. This results in an upper portion 47 of the interior space 11 above the X-frame assembly 20a that is not mechanically supported by the frame 46. If flexible pliable soft goods 12 are placed on the frame 46 as shown in FIG. 1A, a child could potentially escape the play yard 10a through the upper portion 47 by folding and / or collapsing the soft goods. In view of the foregoing, as an additional support structure, the soft goods 12 include an integrated webbing 14 that is pulled taut when the frame 46 is extended, such that the webbing 14 mechanically functions as an upper rail. In this manner, the webbing 14 provides a more rigid boundary spanning the upper portion 47 of the interior space 11 to support soft goods and better maintain a child within the playard 10a.

[0012] Similarly, FIG. 1B illustrates that the X-tubes 22a and 22b of the X-frame assembly 20b in the play yard 10b do not mechanically support the upper portion 47 of the interior space 11 above the X-tubes 22a and 22b when extended. Thus, like the play yard 10a, the play yard 10b includes webbing 14, which is directly connected to the leg support assembly 24 as an additional support structure. When the frame 46 of the play yard 10b is extended, the webbing 14 is again pulled taut to form an upper rail, thereby providing a more rigid boundary spanning the upper portion 47 of the interior space. It should be recognized that without the webbing 14, the play yard 10a and 10b may not comply with various consumer safety standards, such as ASTM F406-19.

[0013] As discussed above in connection with FIG. 1C, the play yard 10c includes a rigid top rail 32 that connects to adjacent legs 30. Thus, the frame 46 of the play yard 10c provides a mechanical support structure that spans the top and side boundaries of the interior space 11. However, frames with only vertical or near-vertical legs and top rails are often prone to mechanical instability. For example, the frame may tilt to one side due to the bottom portions of the legs not being mechanically restrained and / or due to backlash or slop between the joints connecting the rails and legs together. This mechanical instability may be further exacerbated if the legs and rails are configured to move relative to one another, for example, to facilitate folding the play yard. Given this mechanical instability, to reinforce the frame 46, the play yard 10c includes an additional bottom support structure 34 that connects the legs 30 located at the opposing corners of the frame 46.

[0014] The various support structures added to conventional play yards as discussed above, and the various modifications made to the play yards to accommodate these support structures, increase the complexity, part count, and cost of these play yards.

[0015] For example, the webbing 14 for the playards 10a and 10b must be sewn directly into the soft goods 12 or X-frame assemblies 20a and 20b, and / or the leg support assembly 24 must incorporate additional structural features to attach directly to the soft webbing 14, both of which increase design complexity and result in higher manufacturing costs. With respect to the playard 10c, the rigid top rail 32 and bottom support structure 34 must include additional mechanisms (e.g., hinges 36, hinges connecting various members of the bottom support structure 34) to facilitate retracting and folding the playard 10c, which increases the number of parts for manufacturing and assembly. As shown in FIG. 1D, these additional mechanisms also make it more difficult for caregivers to set up and retract the playard 10c by adding additional steps (e.g., steps "A" and "B"). In particular, the playard 10c is particularly difficult to extend. The reason is that the playard 10c has a tendency to tip over and / or partially collapse when it is partially extended.

[0016] The inventors have also recognized that conventional play yards often include frames that compromise between the ease of folding and / or extending the frame and other aspects related to the practical use of the play yard. For example, play yards 10a and 10b include X-shaped frame assemblies 20a and 20b, respectively, that make it fairly easy for a caregiver to fold and / or extend the respective frames 46. However, both X-shaped frame assemblies 20a and 20b extend over a significant portion (if not all) of the sides of the respective frames 46 as described above, which can interfere with the visibility of the child within the partially enclosed space 13, thereby impeding or impeding the caregiver's ability to easily see the child within the play yard.

[0017] More specifically, referring again to FIG. 1A, the soft goods 14 in the play yard 10a include see-through portions along the sides of the partially enclosed space 13, which are intended to allow the caregiver to see their child. However, the X-tubes 22a and 22b in the pivot-only X-frame assembly 20a extend all the way to the sides of the partially enclosed space 13, thus obstructing the see-through portions of the soft goods 14 and thus limiting the caregiver's ability to visually check their child within the partially enclosed space 13. With respect to the play yard 10b, the pivot-and-slide X-frame assembly 20b does not extend all the way to the sides of the partially enclosed space 13. However, FIG. 1B shows that the combination of the X-frame assembly 20b and the soft goods 14 instead covers approximately the top half of the partially enclosed space 13, thus limiting the area that can be seen into the partially enclosed space 13.

[0018] In another example, the frame 46 of the play yard 10c allows the caregiver to easily see into the partially enclosed space 13 at the expense of using a more complicated folding / extending mechanism as described above. Also, indoor play yard are typically designed to be aesthetically pleasing to the indoor environment (e.g., indoor play yard should match other indoor furniture), which can often lead to compromises in other areas such as ease of use, etc. For example, X-shaped frame assemblies are often used only for outdoor play yard because the appearance of the X-shaped tubes does not match with most indoor furniture.

[0019] The inventors have further observed that conventional play yards often include complex latch mechanisms that are expensive to manufacture and difficult for consumers to use. For example, conventional play yard frames utilizing a pivotable and slidable X-frame assembly (such as the play yard 10b shown in FIG. 1B) often include multiple latch mechanisms that are disposed on opposing sides of the play yard to prevent any one side of the play yard frame from sagging downward when locked in an extended configuration. In particular, as mentioned above, FIG. 1B shows that the play yard 10b includes a pair of latch mechanisms 16a and 16b that are disposed on opposing sides of the play yard 10b. To lock or unlock the play yard 10b, a caregiver must manually activate each latch mechanism 16 on different sides of the play yard, one at a time, which is inconvenient and cumbersome. In another example, the conventional indoor play yard 10c shown in Fig. 1C includes a separate latch mechanism for each hinge 36. As explained above, a caregiver must first lock each latch mechanism for each hinge 36 before extending the bottom support structure 34 (during which the play yard 10c may tip over and / or partially collapse if not properly held by the caregiver).

[0020] Including multiple latch mechanisms increases the number of parts and therefore increases the cost to manufacture. This drawback can be exacerbated based on the installation and complexity of a given latch mechanism. For example, the latch mechanisms 16a and 16b in playard 10b are attached to sliders of the leg support assembly 24. As a result, playard 10b must include different types of sliders, i.e., slider 26b that forms part of the latch mechanisms 16a and 16b, and a different slider 26a for the remainder of the leg support assembly 24. This playard design therefore increases the number of unique parts that need to be manufactured, which increases manufacturing costs.

[0021] The inventors have also observed that conventional play yards also include a variety of accessories to enhance the functionality and / or environment for the child.

[0022] For example, the play yard 10c shown in FIG. 1C includes a bassinet accessory 60 to provide an elevated surface above the ground to support a child during the first few months of life. The inventors have recognized and appreciated that the bassinet accessory provides a caregiver with a more convenient and accessible platform to place their child into and / or remove their child from the play yard, as compared to the interior space of the play yard (i.e., when the play yard 10c does not include the bassinet accessory 60). The inventors have also recognized that the removable bassinet accessory effectively extends the lifetime use time of the foldable play yard from birth until the child is typically able to grow out of the play yard or weighs more than 30 pounds. However, the inventors also recognized that conventional bassinet accessories for playards often require compromises between accessibility of the elevated surface (e.g., how far a caregiver must reach into the playard to place their child into the bassinet accessory), ease of use (e.g., procedures for folding and / or extending the bassinet accessory and foldable playard), and, particularly, the overall size of the foldable playard and bassinet accessory when folded.

[0023] Bassinet accessories typically include a support structure to provide a flat surface for a child to sleep on in order to meet various compliance standards (e.g., ASTM F2194, entitled "Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bassinets and Cradles"). For many conventional bassinet accessories, the support structure is a rigid structure that is not collapsible (or non-foldable) with the play yard frame. Thus, the bassinet accessory must be removed before folding the play yard and / or installed when the play yard is extended, which adds an additional step for the caregiver to set up and / or take down the play yard. Additionally, removal of the bassinet accessory requires the caregiver to provide extra space to store and / or transport the foldable play yard and bassinet accessory as separate items, and may also increase the likelihood that the caregiver will forget or lose the bassinet accessory, especially when transporting the play yard from one location to another.

[0024] It has previously been demonstrated that a bassinet accessory that folds and extends with the playard frame partially addresses the limitations associated with the rigid bassinet accessories described above. However, the inventors have recognized that conventional foldable bassinet accessories often achieve collapsibility with the playard by compromising other aspects of the bassinet accessory.

[0025] For example, the bassinet accessory 60 provides the play yard 10c with a relatively shallow elevated space for supporting a child (e.g., the top surface of the mattress is offset from the top rail 32 of the play yard 10c by a distance of about 10 inches or less). This is accomplished in part by utilizing a more complex folding mechanism that requires the user to assemble and disassemble parts of the bassinet accessory 60 to facilitate extending and folding. For example, FIG. 1E shows that the bassinet accessory 60 for the play yard 10c includes a bassinet soft goods 62 and two support tube assemblies 64 that form a support structure for supporting the mattress. As shown, each support tube assembly 64 includes support tubes 64a, 64b, and 64c that are attached to a bottom portion of the bassinet soft goods 62.

[0026] To set up the bassinet accessory 60, the caregiver must manually connect support tube 64a to support tube 64b and support tube 64c to support tube 64b to form a rigid support tube assembly 64 that spans the length of the bassinet accessory 60. To remove the bassinet accessory 60, the caregiver must manually disconnect support tubes 64a-64c from one another. These additional steps not only make the bassinet accessory 60 more difficult to fold and / or extend, but may also increase the likelihood of lost parts (e.g., the caregiver misplacing one of the support tubes separate from the mattress) and / or improper set-up (particularly if the caregiver does not properly connect the support tubes 64a-64c together).

[0027] In some conventional foldable bassinet accessories, simpler folding mechanisms (e.g., mechanisms that do not require assembly of two or more components for deployment or disassembly for storage) have been used to simplify setup and / or take-down. However, these simpler folding mechanisms often result in an increase in the overall size of the play yard in the folded configuration (e.g., a portion of the bassinet accessory extends significantly beyond the confines of the play yard when folded) or result in a relatively deep bassinet accessory (e.g., the top surface of the mattress is offset from the top rail 32 of the play yard 10c by a distance significantly greater than 10 inches) to ensure that the folding mechanism remains within the confines of the folded play yard. In the latter case, the deeper bassinet accessory results in the caregiver having to bend further to place and / or remove their child from the bassinet accessory, which results in a greater physical strain.

[0028] In another example, the play yards 10a and 10b shown in Figures 1A and 1B both include a canopy cover 40 to provide shade to a child when the play yards are deployed in an outdoor environment. However, the inventors have recognized and appreciated that in some cases, various accessories (and in particular the canopy cover) are often prone to misuse and premature removal from the play yards and / or may compromise the safety of a child.

[0029] Typically, conventional canopy covers are supported by a separate canopy cover frame that mounts directly over the top portion (e.g., corner portion) of the play yard, which is already covered by the soft goods. The presence of the soft goods can make it difficult for the caregiver to determine the proper location on the play yard where the canopy cover should be attached, which can often result in incorrect canopy cover installation. Additionally, conventional canopy covers are often not securely attached to the play yard, due in part to the layering of multiple fabric layers in the soft goods. As a result, conventional canopy covers for outdoor play yard are often prone to premature removal, for example, due to wind gusts.

[0030] Also, conventional canopy covers are susceptible to removal by a child placed within the partially enclosed space of the play yard. For example, FIG. 1F shows the play yard 10a of FIG. 1A with the canopy cover 40 being pulled away from the corner portion 28 by a child inside the play yard. As shown, a canopy bow 44 supports the canopy cover 40 on the play yard 10a. The canopy bow 44 is attached to a canopy clip 42, which should be attached to the corner portion 28 covered by the soft goods 12. However, the combination of the canopy clip 42 not being securely attached to the corner portion 28 and the child's accessibility to the canopy clip 42 may lead to removal of the canopy cover 40 by the child, as shown in FIG. 1F. FIG. 1G shows another example in which a child can pull the canopy cover 40 further into the partially enclosed space 13 of the play yard 10a by pulling on the canopy bow 44 and / or the canopy clip 42.

[0031] In light of the inventors' foregoing observations, the present disclosure is therefore directed to various inventive implementations of foldable play yards that are easier to operate (e.g., fold, extend, latch, and / or unlatch) as compared to conventional play yards, are structurally simpler with fewer parts to manufacture, and yet are sufficiently stable and rigid in structure so as to readily comply with various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19, referenced above). [Means for solving the problem]

[0032] In various inventive implementations, the foldable play yard can generally include a frame that defines an interior space when extended, and soft goods, the soft goods attached to the frame and partially disposed within the interior space to define a partially enclosed space for a child. In some implementations, the foldable play yard includes an improved canopy cover assembly for covering the partially enclosed space (e.g., when the play yard is deployed in an outdoor environment).

[0033] In one example of a frame for a foldable play yard according to the present disclosure, the frame can be a closed frame, including a plurality of leg support assemblies and an X-frame assembly, the plurality of leg support assemblies and the X-frame assembly arranged such that each leg support assembly is disposed along a side edge of the interior space, and the X-frame assemblies are disposed between adjacent leg support assemblies along the sides of the interior space. The leg support assemblies allow the foldable play yard to stand on the ground, and the X-frame assemblies provide structural support for the leg support assemblies as well as a mechanism for facilitating folding and / or extending the play yard. In some implementations, the leg support assemblies and the X-frame assemblies can define an interior space, the interior space having a cross-section in a plane parallel to the ground that is polygonal in shape (e.g., square, rectangular, hexagonal).

[0034] Each leg support assembly of the foldable play yard frame may include a leg tube, a corner attached to an upper end of the leg tube, a foot attached to a bottom end of the leg tube, and a slider that slides between the corner and the foot. The upper and bottom ends of the leg tube may be aligned with the upper and bottom apexes of the interior space, respectively. Each X-frame assembly may include at least one pair of X-tubes, each X-tube rotatably coupled to at least another X-tube, a corner, and / or a slider. By coupling at least one of the X-tubes to a slider, the X-frame assembly becomes a pivotable and slidable X-frame assembly, in which the X-tubes are rotationally and translationally displaced when folding and / or extending the play yard. In this manner, the combination of the X-frame assembly and leg support assembly enables the playard to be folded into a smaller configuration that occupies less volume and / or extended to provide a larger interior space (and thus a larger partially enclosed space for a child) compared to conventional playards.

[0035] In one embodiment, the X-frame assemblies of the foldable play yard frame can be positioned sufficiently close to the upper portion of the interior space when the play yard is deployed in an extended configuration such that each X-frame assembly effectively functions as a rigid upper rail that mechanically connects adjacent leg support assemblies in the frame. In other words, each X-tube of each X-frame assembly forms an upper perimeter structure that spans the upper portion of the play yard frame and thus outlines the upper opening of the interior space. For example, each pair of X-tubes in each X-frame assembly can form an X-frame structure that is shallow enough such that the X-tubes are mechanically similar to the rigid upper rails in previous play yards (e.g., upper rail 32 in play yard 10c).

[0036] However, unlike previous play yards, the frame of the foldable play yard disclosed herein is sufficiently rigid and stable only by the X-frame assembly that connects the leg support assemblies together. In other words, in an exemplary implementation, the frame of the foldable play yard disclosed herein does not include a separate top rail (e.g., the webbing 14 of the play yards 10a and 10b shown in Figures 1A and 1B, or the top rail 32 of the play yard 10c shown in Figure 1C) or bottom support structure (e.g., the bottom structure 34 of the play yard 10c shown in Figure 1C). Thus, the innovative frame described herein results in a more sophisticated play yard with sound mechanical stability using fewer parts.

[0037] In one aspect, the foldable play yard frame disclosed in various examples herein achieves mechanical stability using fewer parts by reducing the length of the leg tubes compared to conventional play yard to make the frame less prone to tipping and / or rolling (e.g., the resulting torque applied to the frame for a given force is reduced due to a shorter moment arm).As described in more detail below, in some implementations, the length of the leg tubes can be sized based on the portion of the foot and corners that overlap with the leg tubes, as well as the distance the slider travels to fully fold and / or extend the frame.

[0038] Additionally, the dimensions and / or materials of the X-tubes used in the foldable playard frames disclosed in various examples herein may be selected to provide sufficient mechanical rigidity to the frame. For example, the X-tubes may be formed from steel tubing having an outer diameter of about 0.625 inches and an overall length of about 24.5 inches. However, it should be recognized that the X-tubes may be formed from other materials (e.g., aluminum, carbon fiber) having different dimensions depending in part on the mechanical properties of the material and the desired dimensions of the interior space provided by the frame. In some implementations, as noted above, a frame comprising only the leg support assemblies and X-frame assemblies disclosed herein without additional support structures may meet various mechanical rigidity, stability, and / or strength requirements set forth in various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19, 7.3.3, 7.11).

[0039] It should be appreciated that the soft goods may be connected at various points along the frame such that the partially enclosed space formed by the soft goods opens properly when the playard is extended, but the soft goods may generally be soft flexible components that remain loose instead of being pulled taut and therefore do not significantly improve the mechanical stiffness and / or stability of the frame.

[0040] Additionally, by locating the X-frame assembly of the frame near the top portion of the interior space, the sides of the frame are more exposed, providing a larger window for the caregiver to view their child when the child is placed in the interior space. Moreover, the soft goods attached to the frame can more easily cover the X-frame assembly using less material. In some implementations, the soft goods can partially cover the X-frame assembly and provide access to the latch mechanism (described in more detail below), while in other implementations, the soft goods can completely cover the X-frame assembly such that no part of the X-frame assembly is observable when the play yard is extended (which can partially improve the aesthetic appearance of the play yard for both outdoor and indoor environments).

[0041] As discussed in more detail below, the "upper portion" of the foldable playard frame in a given exemplary implementation may generally refer to the portion of the frame proximate the upper ends of the leg tubes and / or the corners of each leg support assembly. The leg tubes of each leg support assembly may generally have substantially the same length. In some implementations, the upper portion of the frame may be defined as having 1) an upper horizontal plane that intersects with the upper ends and / or corners of the leg tubes, and 2) a bottom horizontal plane that is vertically offset from the upper horizontal plane such that the X-tubes are positioned completely within the upper and bottom horizontal planes when the X-frame assembly is extended. In some implementations, the bottom horizontal plane may be offset from the upper horizontal plane by a distance of 30% or less of the total length of the leg tubes, more preferably by a distance of 20% or less of the total length of the leg tubes.

[0042] As mentioned above, in some implementations, the foldable playard frame can include one or more X-frame assemblies forming a single X-frame structure with a pair of X-tubes. Each X-tube in a pair of X-tubes can be rotatably coupled to a corner of one leg support assembly, a slider of another leg support assembly, and the other X-tube in the pair of X-tubes. In other exemplary implementations, the foldable playard frame can include one or more X-frame assemblies forming a double X-frame structure with two pairs of X-tubes. In examples using this double X-frame structure, each X-tube is coupled to either a slider or a corner of one leg support assembly, an X-tube in the same pair of X-tubes, and another X-tube from another pair of X-tubes. In this manner, the frame can provide an interior space having a horizontal cross-section with sides having different dimensions (e.g., an interior space having a rectangular shape).

[0043] In another aspect, the foldable play yard frame according to the present disclosure can include a latch mechanism for maintaining the frame in an extended configuration. In some implementations, the frame can include only a single latch mechanism for maintaining the frame in an extended configuration. In some implementations, the single latch mechanism is configured such that when the caregiver extends the frame (e.g., by moving a slider on one leg support assembly toward a corner), the single latch mechanism is automatically actuated to lock the frame in the extended configuration. In this manner, the process of extending and locking the play yard can be easily accomplished with the caregiver positioned at one side and / or one corner of the play yard (i.e., the caregiver does not need to move around the play yard to actuate multiple latch mechanisms). Moreover, the caregiver can extend and lock the play yard using one hand. For example, the single latch mechanism can automatically lock when the slider is displaced a sufficient distance along the leg tube.

[0044] In some implementations, the latch mechanism may be preferably disposed in an upper portion of the frame as defined above. For example, the latch mechanism may include a latch member having a first end that is coupled to a corner of one of the leg support assemblies and a second end that is coupled to an X-tube or slider of one of the X-frame assemblies. As such, the latch mechanism may be partially covered by the soft goods, or in some cases, completely covered.

[0045] Also, the latch mechanism may be coupled to various components of the frame, including, but not limited to, the X-tube, the leg tube, the slider, and the corner. In some implementations, the latch mechanism may be coupled to components of the X-frame assembly and / or the leg support assembly without the need to modify the respective components of the X-frame assembly and the leg support assembly. For example, the latch mechanism may include a latch member that is rotatably coupled to a corner of one leg support assembly via a pin joint, which also serves to rotatably couple the X-tube to the corner. In this manner, the play yard may include fewer unique parts for manufacturing. In some implementations, the play yard may include identical corners and / or identical sliders for multiple leg support assemblies.

[0046] In some implementations, the latch mechanism can be a tool-less mechanism that is activated by a caregiver in one or two steps. In one example, the latch members can connect the respective components of the X-frame assembly and / or leg support assembly and maintain the extended configuration via a variety of attachment mechanisms, including but not limited to snap-fit ​​connections, spring-loaded pins, and spring-loaded rotational lock-off mechanisms.

[0047] In some implementations, the latch mechanism can be a double action latch, which includes a latch member (e.g., attached to a corner of one of the leg support assemblies) and a latch boss (e.g., attached to an X-tube of one of the X-frame assemblies). The latch boss can include an undercut portion, and the latch member can include a latch opening for receiving the latch boss, with a tab disposed in the latch opening and engaging the undercut portion. In some implementations, the tab can include a slot, and the undercut portion can include a rib for aligning the latch member and the latch boss when locking the latch mechanism. The undercut portion and the tab can be shaped such that a caregiver cannot unlock the latch mechanism by pulling on the latch member without applying an excessive amount of force (e.g., greater than 10 pounds of force). Instead, the caregiver can first squeeze each of the X-tubes of the X-frame assemblies to displace the latch boss within the latch opening of the latch member and disengage the tab from the undercut portion. While squeezing the X-tubes together, the caregiver can then pull the latch member away from the latch boss, thus unlocking the latch mechanism.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, the foldable play yard can include soft goods for defining a partially enclosed space in which a child can play and / or sleep. Generally, the soft goods can cover a portion of the frame (e.g., a corner of the leg support assembly, a portion of the X-frame assembly). In some implementations, the soft goods can be directly coupled to the frame (e.g., a corner) via one or more snap-fit ​​connections. The soft goods can further include a semi-rigid tab disposed near a top edge of the soft goods to support the snap-fit ​​connector and ensure that the soft goods remain flush with the frame when attached (i.e., the top edge of the soft goods does not flip upward to expose an interior portion of the soft goods). The soft goods can further include a floor portion that rests directly on the ground and a side portion, the floor portion and the side portion defining the bottom and sides of the partially enclosed space. In some implementations, the side portions can be transparent and / or see-through (eg, mesh) to allow the caregiver to easily see their child in the playard.

[0049] In yet another aspect, the foldable play yard according to the present disclosure can also include a canopy cover assembly disposed over the play yard frame and soft goods to provide shade to a child within the play yard. The canopy cover assembly can generally include a plurality of canopy support assemblies that provide a canopy cover frame or support structure. Each canopy support assembly can generally include a canopy bow that supports the canopy cover and a canopy clip for attaching the canopy support assembly to the frame. In some implementations, different types of canopies (e.g., half canopy, full canopy) can be attached over the play yard depending on the coverage desired by the caregiver.

[0050] In some implementations, the canopy clip can include a snap-in feature for connecting the canopy clip directly to the leg tube of one of the leg support assemblies. In this way, the canopy clip is more securely attached to the frame (i.e., the canopy clip is not attached to a portion of the frame covered by soft goods), thereby reducing the possibility of the canopy cover assembly being accidentally removed from the frame. Each canopy clip can be further disposed outside the interior space along an exterior portion of one of the leg support assemblies (e.g., near a corner and / or slider when the playard is extended). Additionally, the canopy bow can be connected to the canopy clip such that a portion of the canopy bow is disposed outside the interior space, even near a corner and / or slider of the leg support assembly. Particular placement of the canopy clips and the portions of the canopy bow that overlap the exterior portions of the frame can further limit children's access to the various components of the canopy cover assembly, thus reducing the likelihood that the canopy cover can be removed and pulled into the playard.

[0051] In yet another aspect, a foldable playard according to the present disclosure can include a bassinet accessory disposed within the interior space of the frame and within the partially enclosed space of the playard soft goods to provide an elevated surface for supporting a child. The bassinet accessory can generally include a support structure defining a relatively small partially enclosed space associated with the bassinet accessory for accommodating a child when the bassinet accessory is extended (e.g., the relatively small partially enclosed space of the bassinet accessory can be disposed within the partially enclosed space of the playard soft goods).

[0052] The support structure of the bassinet accessory can include a bassinet soft goods with side and bottom surfaces that at least partially define and surround a relatively small partially enclosed space of the bassinet accessory. The support structure can further include a hub and a plurality of support tubes that together form a rigid structure in the unfolded, extended configuration. Each support tube can be rotatably (e.g., pivotally) coupled to the hub to facilitate folding and extending the bassinet accessory. The bassinet accessory can also include a mattress that is disposed over the hub and support tubes in the unfolded, extended configuration and provides a cushioned surface for a child to rest on. The mattress can be removable and foldable.

[0053] The bassinet accessory (and, inter alia, the support structure) can be folded and extended along with the frame and soft goods when installed on the foldable play yard. The bassinet accessory can provide a relatively shallow partially enclosed space to improve accessibility for the caregiver. For example, the distance from the top surface of the mattress to the top side of the foldable play yard can range between 7.5 inches and about 10 inches. More generally, the height of the bassinet accessory when installed on the play yard, h t,1 is defined as the distance between each bottom corner portion of the bassinet soft goods and the top of the foldable playard (e.g., the top horizontal plane defined by the playard), which can range between 7.5 inches and approximately 12 inches.

[0054] Also, the bassinet accessory can include a folding mechanism that does not require assembly and / or disassembly when folding and extending the bassinet accessory with the foldable playard. Instead, the hub and support tubes can form a foldable structure with integrated mechanical stops and / or locking mechanisms (e.g., hub latches) to maintain the hub and support tubes in a desired extended configuration. In this manner, the procedure for folding and extending the foldable playard with the installed bassinet accessory can be simplified compared to conventional bassinet accessories (e.g., bassinet accessory 60 for playard 10c).

[0055] In one example, the hub can be disposed in the center of the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods, and the support tube can be disposed and oriented along a diagonal segment of the bottom surface. In other words, the support tube can extend radially from the hub to each corner portion of the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods. The support tube can be further attached to the bassinet soft goods via one or more attachment mechanisms (e.g., screw fasteners, straps) so that the bassinet soft goods and the support tube move together. When folding or extending the bassinet accessory, the caregiver can pull up or push down the hub, thus causing the support tube and the bassinet soft goods to fold or extend.

[0056] Additionally, the bassinet accessory may be disposed substantially within the interior space of the play yard frame in both the extended and folded configurations such that the overall size of the foldable play yard with the bassinet accessory remains substantially similar or the same as the foldable play yard without the bassinet accessory. In this manner, the compact shape of the play yard in the folded configuration is maintained for ease of storage and / or transportation.

[0057] A bassinet accessory exhibiting the above-described features (e.g., a relatively shallow height, a simple folding mechanism, and a compact size) can be accomplished in a number of ways. In one example, the support tubes can vary in length between a folded configuration and an extended configuration. For example, the hub can move in an upward direction when folding the bassinet accessory, and conversely, can move in a downward direction when extending the bassinet accessory. To ensure that the hub does not extend too far outside the interior space of the play yard when the play yard is folded, especially given the relatively shallow height of the bassinet accessory, each support tube can be telescopic (e.g., each support tube can include a first support tube and a second support tube telescopically connected to the first support tube).

[0058] When the bassinet accessory is extended, the extended support tubes are t,1 Overall length L is greater than t,1 However, when the bassinet accessory is folded, the first support tube can telescope toward the second support tube. Thus, the overall length of the support tubes is L t,1 Length L in the folded configuration from t,2 where Lt,2 L t,1 In various examples discussed in more detail below, the length L t,2 is the height of the bassinet accessory h t,1 The height of the bassinet accessory can be approximately less than or equal to h t,1 It should be recognized that in some circumstances, the vertical length of the support tubes may change somewhat when folding and extending the bassinet accessory (e.g., the bottom of the bassinet soft goods may fold into a bundle), but in other circumstances, the respective bottom corners of the bassinet accessory soft goods do not experience significant vertical displacement between the folded and extended configurations. In any event, the above constraints imposed on the length of the support tubes and the height of the bassinet accessory in the respective folded and extended configurations may still be met to mitigate substantial protrusion of the hub above the top of the play yard in the folded configuration.

[0059] For this example, the bassinet accessory may not include a separate locking mechanism (e.g., a hub latch) to maintain the extended configuration. Instead, a combination of an integrated mechanical stop and the weight of the hub, support tube, mattress, and / or child can ensure that the bassinet accessory remains in the deployed, extended configuration. In this manner, the part count and cost for manufacturing the bassinet accessory may be reduced.

[0060] In another example, the interior space of the playard below the bassinet accessory in the extended configuration may be utilized to accommodate the hub and / or support tube of the bassinet accessory when the playard is folded for storage and / or transport in the folded configuration. This may be partially accomplished given the shallow height of the bassinet accessory, which results in a larger portion of the interior space of the playard frame being disposed directly beneath the bassinet accessory. For example, a height h corresponding to the distance from the ground to the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods may be utilized to accommodate the hub and / or support tube of the bassinet accessory when the playard is folded for storage and / or transport in the folded configuration. b can be about 18 inches or greater. For this example, the hub can move in a downward direction when the bassinet accessory is folded, and conversely, can move in an upward direction when the bassinet accessory is extended. To ensure that the hub and / or support tubes remain contained within the interior space of the playard, the length L of the support tubes can be adjusted to about 18 inches or greater. t is the height h b It is possible that the .mu.m is approximately equal to or less than .mu.m.

[0061] For this example, the integrated mechanical stop can limit further upward movement of the hub once the hub and support tubes are in a desired extended configuration (e.g., the hub and support tubes form a substantially flat platform that supports a mattress). The hub can further include a hub latch that, when actuated, prevents the hub from moving downward. Thus, the combination of the mechanical stop and hub latch can maintain the bassinet accessory in the deployed, extended configuration.

[0062] In one example, a frame for a foldable play yard has a compact folded configuration for storage of the frame and an unfolded extended configuration for supporting the foldable play yard in an upright position above a ground surface to accommodate a child within an interior space of the foldable play yard. The frame includes a plurality of leg support assemblies extending upwardly from the ground surface when the frame is in the unfolded extended configuration, each leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies including a bottom end supported by the ground surface and an upper portion opposite the bottom end. The frame further includes a plurality of X-frame assemblies connected to the plurality of leg support assemblies, each of the plurality of X-frame assemblies being connected to an upper portion of a respective adjacent leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies when the frame is in an unfolded, extended configuration, such that in the unfolded, extended configuration of the frame, the plurality of X-frame assemblies form an upper perimeter structure of the frame outlining an interior space of the foldable play yard, such that the plurality of X-frame assemblies do not significantly impede a child's visibility when the child is within the interior space of the foldable play yard. The plurality of X-frame assemblies constitute the only interconnections in the frame between each pair of leg support assemblies of the plurality of leg support assemblies. Each leg support assembly may include a leg tube having an oval-shaped cross section.

[0063] In another example, a foldable playard defining an interior space when in an extended configuration includes a plurality of leg support assemblies, each leg support assembly including a leg tube disposed along a side edge of the interior space having an upper end disposed at an upper apex of the interior space, a corner portion coupled to the upper end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably coupled to the leg tube, such that the slider is disposed proximate to the corner portion when the foldable playard is in the extended configuration. The foldable playard further includes a plurality of X-frame assemblies positioned on respective sides of the interior space between adjacent leg support assemblies, each X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies forming an upper rail between adjacent leg support assemblies. Additionally, the sliders in the plurality of leg support assemblies are identical, the corners in the plurality of leg support assemblies are identical, and each pair of leg support assemblies is connected together via only at least one X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies. Also, the leg tube can have an oval cross-section.

[0064] In another example, a foldable playard defining an interior space when in an extended configuration includes a plurality of leg support assemblies, each leg support assembly including a leg tube disposed along a side edge of the interior space having an upper end disposed at an upper apex of the interior space, a corner portion coupled to the upper end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably coupled to the leg tube, such that the slider is disposed proximate to the corner portion when the foldable playard is in the extended configuration. The foldable playard further includes a plurality of X-frame assemblies positioned on respective sides of the interior space between adjacent leg support assemblies of the plurality of leg support assemblies, each X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies forming an upper rail between adjacent leg support assemblies. The foldable playard further includes a single latch mechanism coupled to one of the plurality of leg support assemblies to maintain the foldable playard in the extended configuration when the latch mechanism is in the locked configuration. Additionally, adjacent leg support assemblies of each pair are coupled together via only one of the plurality of X-frame assemblies. Also, the leg tubes can have an oval-shaped cross-section.

[0065] In another example, a foldable playard defining an interior space when in an extended configuration includes a plurality of leg support assemblies, each leg support assembly including a leg tube disposed along a side edge of the interior space having an upper end disposed at an upper apex of the interior space, a corner portion disposed on the upper end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably coupled to the leg tube, such that the slider is disposed proximate to the corner portion when the foldable playard is in the extended configuration. The foldable playard further includes a plurality of X-frame assemblies positioned on respective sides of the interior space, each X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies coupled to an adjacent leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies. The foldable playard further includes a latch mechanism that directly couples together a corner of one of the plurality of leg support assemblies and an X-tube of one of the plurality of X-frame assemblies when the latch mechanism is in a locked configuration, the latch mechanism providing the only mechanism for maintaining the foldable playard in the extended configuration. Additionally, each pair of leg support assemblies is coupled together only through at least one X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies. Also, the leg tubes can have an oval-shaped cross-section.

[0066] In another example, a foldable playard defining an interior space when in an extended configuration includes a plurality of leg support assemblies, each leg support assembly including a leg tube disposed along a side edge of the interior space having an upper end disposed at an upper apex of the interior space, a corner portion coupled to the upper end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably coupled to the leg tube, such that the slider is disposed proximate to the corner portion when the foldable playard is in the extended configuration. The foldable playard further includes a plurality of X-frame assemblies positioned on respective sides of the interior space, each X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies coupled to an adjacent leg support assembly. The foldable playard further includes a plurality of canopy support assemblies partially disposed above the interior space, each canopy support assembly including a canopy bow partially disposed above the interior space and a canopy clip disposed outside the interior space proximate a first leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies. The canopy clip includes one or more snap features directly coupled to a leg tube of the first leg support assembly and a canopy bow opening for receiving a portion of the canopy bow to couple the canopy bow to the canopy clip. The foldable playard also includes a canopy cover supported by each canopy bow of the plurality of canopy support assemblies to cover at least a portion of the interior space.

[0067] In another example, the foldable playard includes a leg support assembly including a leg tube having an upper end, a corner disposed on the upper end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably coupled to the leg tube. The foldable playard further includes an X-frame assembly coupled to the leg support assembly, the X-frame assembly including a first X-tube rotatably coupled to the corner of the leg support assembly, and a second X-tube rotatably coupled to the slider and the first X-tube of the leg support assembly. The foldable playard further includes a latch mechanism coupled to the leg support assembly and the X-frame assembly for maintaining the foldable playard in the extended configuration when in the locked configuration, the latch mechanism including a latch boss and a latch member, the latch boss coupled to the second X-tube and disposed proximate to the slider of the leg support assembly and having an undercut portion, the latch member coupled to a corner portion of the leg support assembly and having a latch opening and a tab disposed within the latch opening, the undercut portion of the latch boss retaining the tab of the latch member when the latch mechanism is engaged, thereby maintaining the foldable playard in the extended configuration.

[0068] In yet another example, a foldable playard defining an interior space having a cross-sectional shape that forms a regular hexagon in a plane parallel to the ground when in an extended configuration includes six leg support assemblies, each including a leg tube arranged such that a longitudinal axis associated with the leg tube intersects a respective corner of the regular hexagon and further having a top end and a bottom end, a foot coupled to the bottom end of the leg tube for contacting the ground to support the foldable playard, a corner coupled to the top end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably coupled to the leg tube and positioned between the foot and the corner, the slider disposed proximate to the corner when the foldable playard is in the extended configuration and disposed proximate to the foot when the foldable playard is in the folded configuration. The foldable playard further includes six X-frame assemblies arranged such that each X-frame assembly is positioned along a side of a regular hexagon, each of the six X-frame assemblies forming an upper rail between adjacent leg support assemblies. The six X-frame assemblies include a first X-frame assembly disposed between and connected to a first leg support assembly and a second leg support assembly of the six leg support assemblies, the first X-frame assembly including a first X-tube and a second X-tube, the first X-tube having a first end rotatably connected to a corner of the first leg support assembly and a second end rotatably connected to a slider of the second leg support assembly, and the second X-tube having a first end rotatably connected to a corner of the second leg support assembly and a second end rotatably connected to the slider of the first leg support assembly.The second X-tube is rotatably coupled to the first X-tube. The collapsible playard further includes a latch mechanism coupled to only the first leg support assembly and only the first X-frame assembly for maintaining the collapsible playard in an extended configuration when in the locked configuration, the latch mechanism including a latch boss and a latch member, the latch boss coupled to one of the second X-tubes and disposed proximate to the slider of the first leg support assembly and having an undercut portion, the latch member having a first end coupled to a corner portion of the first leg support assembly, a latch opening disposed proximate to the pull tab, and a tab disposed within the latch opening. The latch mechanism is changed to the locked configuration by moving the slider of the first leg support assembly toward the corner of the first leg support assembly until the latch member snaps onto the latch boss such that the tab of the latch member contacts the undercut portion of the latch boss and the central rib is disposed in the central slot. The latch mechanism is changed to the unlocked configuration by squeezing the first and second X-tubes together, releasing the tab of the latch member from the undercut portion of the latch boss, and pulling the latch member away from the latch boss while squeezing the first and second X-tubes together. Additionally, the leg support assemblies of each pair are connected together only through at least one X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies, the sliders in the six leg support assemblies are identical, and the corners in the six leg support assemblies are identical.

[0069] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in more detail below (provided that such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that the terminology explicitly used in this specification (which may also appear in any disclosures incorporated by reference) should be given the meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are primarily for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In some cases, various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate an understanding of different features. In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similar elements and / or structurally similar elements). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0071] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 shows a conventional outdoor playard with a pivot-only X-frame assembly and canopy cover. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 shows another conventional outdoor playard with a pivotable and slidable X-frame assembly. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 shows a conventional indoor play yard. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D shows the indoor playard of FIG. 1C folded for storage or transport. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1D shows the assembly of a bassinet accessory for the indoor playard of FIG. 1C. [Figure 1F] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional outdoor play yard with a canopy cover assembly, showing the canopy cover being pulled away from a corner of the X-frame assembly by a child positioned in the play yard. [Figure 1G] FIG. 2 illustrates another conventional outdoor play yard with a canopy cover assembly, showing the canopy cover being pulled inward into the interior space of the play yard by a child positioned within the play yard. [Figure 2A] 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary play yard forming a hexagonal shaped interior space, the play yard in an extended configuration. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a front view of the play yard of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2B is a top view of the play yard of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A in a folded configuration. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a front view of the play yard of FIG. 2D. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2E is a top view of the play yard of FIG. 2D. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the X-frame assembly of the play yard of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a top view of the X-frame assembly of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the corner portion and slider of the leg support assembly of the playard of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a bottom perspective view of the corner portion and slider of FIG. 3C. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3D is a top perspective view of the leg tube and foot of the leg support assembly of FIG. 3C. [Figure 4A] FIG. 3D is an exploded top perspective view of the X-frame assembly of FIG. 3A and the leg support assembly of FIG. 3C. [Figure 4B]FIG. 4B is an enlarged top perspective view of the corners and sliders of the leg support assembly of FIG. 4A and the X-tubes of the X-frame assembly. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4B is an enlarged top perspective view of the leg tube and foot of the leg support assembly of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A equipped with soft goods. [Figure 5B] 5B is a close-up view of an upper portion of the soft goods of FIG. 5A disposed on a corner of the leg support assembly of the playard of FIG. 2A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of the top portion of FIG. 5B flipped upside down to show the tabs and snap-fit ​​connector. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the dual action latch mechanism of the play yard of FIG. 2A. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a top perspective view of the dual action latch mechanism of FIG. 6A with the latch member removed. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a latch member in the double action latch mechanism of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a latch boss in the double action latch mechanism of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6E] FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram for unlocking the double action latch mechanism of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] 6B shows tests being performed on the playard of FIG. 2A to evaluate the restraining force of the latch mechanism of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2B shows a stability test being performed on the playard of FIG. 2A. [Figure 8A] 2B is a top perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with soft goods and a flex-lock latch mechanism with a latch opening, the play yard in an extended configuration. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a close-up view of the flex-lock latch mechanism of FIG. 8A. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the flex lock latch mechanism of FIG. 8A with the soft goods removed and the flex lock latch mechanism in a locked configuration. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D is a perspective view of the flex-lock latch mechanism of FIG. 8C in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 9A] 2B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A with soft goods and a flex-lock latch mechanism with a latch member having a snap-fit ​​connector, the playard in an extended configuration. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a close-up view of the flex-lock latch mechanism of FIG. 9A. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 9A with the soft goods removed. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9D is a perspective view of the flex-lock latch mechanism of FIG. 9C in a locked configuration. [Figure 9E] FIG. 9E is a perspective view of the flex lock latch mechanism of FIG. 9D in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 9F] FIG. 9F is a perspective view of the flex-lock latch mechanism of FIG. 9E with the playard partially folded after unlocking the flex-lock latch mechanism. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative flex-lock latch mechanism with a latch member having a snap-fit ​​connector, the latch member of the latch mechanism being connected to an X-tube of an X-frame assembly. [Figure 11A] 2B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A with soft goods and a flex-lock latch mechanism with a hook structure, the playard in an extended configuration. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a close-up view of the flex-lock latch mechanism of FIG. [Figure 11C]FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the flex-lock latch mechanism of FIG. 11A with the soft goods removed and the flex-lock latch mechanism in a locked configuration. [Figure 11D] FIG. 11D is a perspective view of the flex-lock latch mechanism of FIG. 11C in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 12A] 2B is a top perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with the latch mechanism attached to the slider and corner of the leg support assembly, and the play yard in an extended configuration. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a close-up view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 12A. [Figure 13A] 2B is a top perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with the latch mechanism attached to a pair of X-tubes on the X-frame assembly, the play yard in an extended configuration. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 13A in a folded configuration. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the X-frame assembly with the latch mechanism of FIG. 13A. [Figure 13D] FIG. 13D is an exploded view of the X-frame assembly with the latch mechanism of FIG. 13C. [Figure 13E] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 13A in a locked configuration. [Figure 13F] FIG. 13F is a perspective view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 13E in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 13G] FIG. 13F is a top view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 13E. [Figure 13H] FIG. 13F is a top view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 13F. [Figure 14A] 2B is a top perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with a latch mechanism including a spring-loaded pin disposed at one end of the X-shaped tube for engaging the leg tube, the play yard being in an extended configuration. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a side view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 14A in a locked configuration. [Figure 14C] FIG. 14C is a side view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 14B in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 14D] FIG. 14D is a side view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 14C after the playard has been folded up. [Figure 15A] 2B is a top perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with a latch mechanism including a snap-fit ​​connector disposed on one end of an X-shaped tube, the play yard being in an extended configuration. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 15A in a folded configuration. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15B is a side view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 15A in a locked configuration. [Figure 15D] FIG. 15B is a side view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 15A in an unlocked configuration and the play yard in a folded configuration. [Figure 16A] 2A with the latch mechanism of Figures 13A and 14A installed, the play yard in an extended configuration. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 16A in a folded configuration. [Figure 17A] 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary play yard forming a rectangular shaped interior space with soft goods, the play yard in an extended configuration. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is another perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 17A. [Figure 17C] FIG. 17B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17A in a folded configuration. [Figure 17D] FIG. 17B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17A in a partially extended configuration. [Figure 18A] FIG. 17B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17A with the soft goods removed. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is an enlarged view of the corner portion and slider of the leg support assembly in the playard of FIG. 18A. [Figure 19A]FIG. 17D is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17C with the soft goods removed. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B is an enlarged view of the slider and foot of the leg support assembly of FIG. 19A. [Figure 20A] FIG. 17E is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17D with the soft goods removed. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B is a top side perspective view of the playard of FIG. 20A. [Figure 20C] FIG. 20B is a top front perspective view of the playard of FIG. 20A. [Figure 20D] FIG. 20B is an enlarged view of a corner portion of the leg support assembly of FIG. 20A. [Figure 20E] FIG. 20B is an enlarged view of the slider in the leg support assembly of FIG. 20A. [Figure 21A] FIG. 17D is a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17D with the soft goods partially removed from the leg support assembly. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the foot of the leg support assembly attached to the soft goods of FIG. 21A. [Figure 22] FIG. 17B shows a stability test being performed on the playard of FIG. 17A. [Figure 23A] 41A is a top front perspective view of another exemplary play yard forming a rectangular convex shaped interior space with soft goods. The rectangular play yard is also shown with a bassinet accessory from FIG. 41A. The play yard is in an extended configuration. [Figure 23B] FIG. 23B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 23A. [Figure 23C] FIG. 23C is a front view of the play yard of FIG. 23B. [Figure 23D] FIG. 23C is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 23B, with the soft goods shown as transparent. [Figure 23E] FIG. 23D is a front view of the play yard of FIG. 23D. [Figure 24] FIG. 23C is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 23B with the soft goods removed. [Figure 25A] FIG. 23B is an exploded perspective view of a leg assembly having wheels in the playard of FIG. 23A. [Figure 25B] 23B is an exploded perspective view of a leg assembly having a foot portion in the playard of FIG. 23A. [Figure 26A] FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 23A in a partially extended configuration. [Figure 26B] 26B is a cross-sectional view of the slider of the leg support assembly in the playard, corresponding to the plane AA of FIG. 26A. [Figure 27A] FIG. 23B is an enlarged view of the slider and corner of the leg support assembly in the play yard of FIG. 23A. [Figure 27B] FIG. 27B shows soft goods attached to the corner portion of FIG. 27A. [Figure 27C] FIG. 27B shows the soft goods removed from the corner of FIG. 27A. [Figure 28A] FIG. 23B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 23A with a snap-fit ​​latch mechanism disposed on the soft goods. [Figure 28B] FIG. 28B is an enlarged view of a latch member of the latch mechanism of FIG. 28A. [Figure 28C] FIG. 28B is a perspective view of a latch member in the latch mechanism of FIG. 28A. [Figure 29A] FIG. 23B shows a top rail to corner post attachment test being performed on the playard of FIG. 23A. [Figure 29B] FIG. 23B shows the test fixture attached to the double X-frame assembly of the play yard of FIG. 23A. [Figure 29C] FIG. 29B shows the play yard after the test of FIG. 29A has been performed. [Figure 29D] FIG. 23B shows the test fixture attached to the double X-frame assembly of the play yard of FIG. 23A. [Figure 30A] FIG. 23B shows a strength test being applied to the double X-frame assembly in the play yard of FIG. 23A. [Figure 30B] FIG. 30B shows the play yard of FIG. 30A after a strength test. [Figure 30C] FIG. 30C shows the playard of FIG. 30B with the soft goods partially removed from the X-frame assembly. [Diagram 31] FIG. 23B shows a stability test being performed on the playard of FIG. 23A. [Figure 32A] 2B is a top perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with an exemplary canopy cover assembly covering the entire interior space of the play yard. The canopy cover is not shown. [Figure 32B] FIG. 32B is a front view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 32A. [Figure 32C] FIG. 32B is a top view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 32A. [Fig. 32D] FIG. 32B is an enlarged view of the canopy clip of the canopy support assembly of the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 32A connected to the leg support assembly of the play yard. [Figure 32E] FIG. 32E is an enlarged view of the canopy clip of FIG. 32D. [Fig. 32F] FIG. 32E is a perspective view of the canopy clip of FIG. 32D. [Figure 33A] FIG. 32E is a top view of the canopy clip of FIG. 32D being pressed onto the leg tube. [Figure 33B] FIG. 32D is an oblique view of the canopy clip of FIG. 32D, showing that one lead-in feature is hooked over the leg tube first and the canopy clip is rotated so that the other lead-in feature contacts the leg tube. [Figure 34A] FIG. 32B is a top perspective view of the hub of the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 32A. [Figure 34B] FIG. 34B is a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIG. 34A. [Figure 35A]FIG. 2B is a top front perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with an exemplary canopy cover assembly covering half of the interior space of the play yard and excluding the hub. [Figure 35B] FIG. 35B is a top side perspective view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 35A. [Figure 36A] FIG. 35B is a top perspective view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 35A with the canopy cover removed. [Figure 36B] FIG. 36B is a front view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 36A. [Figure 36C] FIG. 36B is a top view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 36A. [Figure 36D] FIG. 36B is a perspective view of a canopy clip of the canopy support assembly in the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 36A. [Figure 36E] FIG. 36E is another perspective view of the canopy clip of FIG. 36D. [Figure 37A] FIG. 2B is a top front perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with an exemplary canopy cover assembly covering half of the interior space of the play yard and including a hub. [Figure 37B] FIG. 37B is a front view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 37A. [Figure 37C] FIG. 37B is a top view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 37A. [Figure 38A] FIG. 37B is a top perspective view of the hub of FIG. 37A. [Figure 38B] FIG. 38B is a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIG. 38A. [Figure 39A] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of an alternative hub that allows each canopy bow to pivot about a horizontal axis relative to the hub. [Figure 39B] FIG. 39B is a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIG. 39A. [Figure 40A] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of an alternative hub that allows each canopy bow to pivot about a vertical axis relative to the hub. [Figure 40B] FIG. 40B is a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIG. 40A. [Figure 41A] 17B is a top perspective view of the play ard and an exemplary bassinet accessory of FIG. 17A, the exemplary bassinet accessory being mounted on top of the play ard with a hub that moves downward when the play ard and bassinet accessory are folded. The play ard and bassinet accessory are shown in an extended configuration. [Figure 41B] FIG. 41B is another top perspective view of the playard and bassinet accessory of FIG. 41A in an extended configuration. [Figure 41C] FIG. 41B is a front view of the playard of FIG. 23A with the bassinet accessory of FIG. 41A. [Figure 42A] 41B is a top perspective view of the mattress of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 41A partially folded and disposed within a partially enclosed space of the bassinet accessory. FIG. [Figure 42B] FIG. 41B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 41A with the bassinet accessory removed and the mattress of FIG. 42A partially folded and disposed within a partially enclosed space defined by the soft goods of the playard. [Diagram 43] 41B is a top perspective view of the playard and bassinet accessory of FIG. 41A without the mattress, revealing the hub and support tubes of the bassinet accessory. The playard and bassinet accessory are shown in an extended configuration. [Figure 44A] FIG. 41C is a close-up view of the bassinet soft goods in the bassinet accessory corresponding to inset A of FIG. 41B, in which the bassinet soft goods are connected to the soft goods in the playard via a zipper mechanism. [Figure 44B] FIG. 41B is a top perspective view of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 41A being removed from the playard of FIG. 41A. [Figure 45A]FIG. 44 is a top perspective view of the playard and bassinet accessory of FIG. 43, with the playard and bassinet accessory in a folded configuration. [Figure 45B] 44 is a top perspective view of the playard and bassinet accessory of FIG. 43 with the playard and bassinet accessory partially extended and beginning to transition from the folded configuration to the extended configuration. The playard and bassinet accessory may also be seen as partially folded and approaching the folded configuration. [Figure 45C] 44 is a top perspective view of the play yard and bassinet accessory of FIG. 43, with the play yard and bassinet accessory partially extended and approaching an extended configuration. The play yard and bassinet accessory can also be seen partially folded and beginning to transition to a folded configuration. [Figure 46A] FIG. 44 is a top perspective view of the hub with hub latch and support tube of FIG. 43. The hub latch is shown in a locked state, where rotational movement of the support tube relative to the hub latch is constrained. [Figure 46B] FIG. 46B is a bottom perspective view of the hub, hub latch, and support tube of FIG. 46A. [Figure 47A] FIG. 44 is a top perspective view of the hub with hub latch and support tube of FIG. 43. The hub latch is shown in an unlocked position, allowing rotational movement of the support tube relative to the hub latch. [Figure 47B] 47B is a bottom perspective view of the hub, hub latches, and support tubes of FIG. 47A, with some of the support tubes rotated into a collapsed configuration. [Figure 48] 17B is a top perspective view of the play ard of FIG. 17A and another exemplary bassinet accessory with a hub that is mounted on top of the play ard and moves upward when the play ard and bassinet accessory are folded. The play ard and bassinet accessory are shown in an extended configuration. [Figure 49A] FIG. 49 is a top perspective view of a user's hands reaching through respective openings in the hub and bassinet soft goods in the bassinet accessory of FIG. 48 to access a bottom portion of the playard disposed below the bassinet accessory. [Figure 49B] FIG. 49 is a side view of a user's hand grasping a strap disposed on a bottom portion of the soft goods in the playard of FIG. 48 to initiate folding of the playard and bassinet accessory. [Figure 49C] FIG. 49C is a top perspective view of a user pulling the straps of FIG. 49B up through the openings in the hub and bassinet soft goods, respectively, to fold the playard and bassinet accessories. [Figure 49D] FIG. 49D is a top perspective view of the playard and bassinet accessory of FIG. 49C, with the playard and bassinet accessory in a folded configuration. [Figure 50A] FIG. 49 is a top view of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 48 in an extended configuration. [Figure 50B] FIG. 50B is a bottom view of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 50A in an extended configuration. [Figure 50C] FIG. 50B is a side view of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 50A in a folded configuration. [Figure 51A] FIG. 49 is a top view of the telescoping support tube of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 48 connected to the hub and bassinet soft goods, with the support tube extended in an expanded configuration. [Figure 51B] FIG. 51B is a bottom view of the bassinet soft good of FIG. 51A with the support tube attached to the bassinet soft good. [Figure 52] FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the hub and support tubes of FIG. 48 installed on the playard of FIG. 23A. The playard is shown in a folded configuration and the support tubes are in a contracted state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0072] A more detailed description of various concepts (and implementations thereof) related to the foldable play yard including 1) a mechanically sound rigid frame that is easier to operate and has a simpler construction compared to conventional play yards, 2) soft goods attached to the frame to provide a partially enclosed space for a child, and optionally, 3) a canopy cover assembly attached to the frame to provide shade for the child, and optionally, 4) a bassinet accessory coupled to the frame and / or soft goods to provide an elevated surface for supporting the child follows below. It should be appreciated that the various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in multiple ways. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to practice implementations and alternatives that are apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0073] The figures and exemplary implementations described below are not meant to limit the scope of the present implementation to a single embodiment. Other implementations are possible by replacing some or all of the elements described or illustrated. Moreover, when certain elements of the disclosed exemplary implementations can be implemented partially or fully using known components, in some cases, only those parts of such known components necessary for understanding the present implementation are described, and detailed descriptions of other parts of such known components are omitted so as not to obscure the present implementation.

[0074] In the following discussion, various examples of the foldable play yard of the present invention are provided, with a given example or set of examples introducing one or more particular features of the frame, the X-frame assembly, the leg support assembly, the latch mechanism, the soft goods, the canopy cover assembly, and the bassinet accessory. It should be recognized that one or more features discussed in connection with a given example of a foldable play yard may be used in other examples of a foldable play yard according to the present disclosure, such that the various features disclosed herein may be readily combined into a given foldable play yard according to the present disclosure (provided that the respective features are not mutually inconsistent).

[0075] Certain dimensions and features of the foldable play yard are described herein using the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and / or "similar." As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and / or "similar" indicate that each described dimension or feature is not a precise boundary or parameter, and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. Unless the context or description indicates otherwise, the use of the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and / or "similar" in connection with a numerical parameter indicates that the numerical parameter includes variations that do not result in an alteration of the least significant figure using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., numerical rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.). Exemplary collapsible playpen with X-frame assembly

[0076] 2A-2C show an exemplary frame 100a for a foldable play yard in an extended configuration. As shown, the frame 100a can include a plurality of leg support assemblies 110a and a plurality of X-shaped frame assemblies 140a arranged to outline and define the interior space 102. Notably, each leg support assembly 110a can be coupled to another adjacent leg support assembly 110a via an X-shaped frame assembly 140a to form a closed frame structure (e.g., a frame that encloses the interior space 102 and separates the interior space 102 from the surrounding environment). As discussed further below in connection with FIG. 5A, in addition to the frame 100a, the foldable play yard 1000a also includes soft goods 300 that are partially disposed within the interior space 102 to provide a padded, partially enclosed space 301 for accommodating the child 50. The soft goods 300 will be described in more detail below.

[0077] Referring again to FIG. 2A, the leg support assemblies 110a of the frame 100a can provide a vertical or near-vertical support stand that defines the spatial extent of the interior space 102 in the extended configuration. In other words, the leg support assemblies 110a can define and / or be otherwise disposed along the side edges 104 of the interior space 102. The X-frame assemblies 140a can provide structural support for positioning and orienting the leg support assemblies 110a as desired and can also provide a mechanism for facilitating folding and / or extending the frame 100a. As shown in FIG. 2A, each X-frame assembly 140a can define and / or be otherwise disposed on a side 106 of the interior space 102 between adjacent side edges 104.

[0078] 2A-2C, the interior space 102 has a horizontal cross-section (i.e., a cross-section in a plane parallel to the ground 90 supporting the frame 100a) shaped as a regular hexagon. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations disclosed herein and discussed in more detail below, the number of leg support assemblies 110a and / or X-shaped frame assemblies 140a may be adjusted to form interior spaces 102 having different horizontal cross-sectional shapes, including, but not limited to, squares, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, octagons, regular polygons, and irregular polygons (i.e., sides having different dimensions).

[0079] In some implementations, the interior space 102 can further form a three-dimensional volume shaped as a right prism. In other words, the leg support assembly 110a can be oriented vertically such that the horizontal cross-section of the interior space 102 is the same or substantially the same in shape and dimensions at any vertical location along the length of the leg support assembly 110a. In other implementations, the interior space 102 can form a three-dimensional volume shaped as a truncated pyramid, where a bottom portion of the interior space 102 near the ground 90 is larger than an upper portion of the interior space 102. In other words, the leg support assemblies 110a may be tilted when the frame 100a is deployed such that the top portions of the leg support assemblies 110a are positioned closer together than the bottom portions of the leg support assemblies 110a, such that the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the interior space 102 decreases from the bottom portion to the top portion of the leg support assemblies 110a when the leg support assemblies 110a are substantially straight in shape. In one embodiment, a frame 100a that forms a truncated pyramidal interior space 102 may be preferred to enhance mechanical stability. The manner in which this geometry is achieved will be discussed in more detail below.

[0080] In the frame 100a shown in FIG. 2A, each leg support assembly 110a may include a leg tube 112 having a top end 113a and a bottom end 113b (see, for example, FIG. 4A), a foot 114 connected to the bottom end 113b to support the frame 100a above the ground 90, a corner portion 130 connected to the top end 113a of the leg tube 112, and a slider 120, which is slidably connected to the leg tube 112 and positioned between the foot portion 114 and the corner portion 130. The top end 113a and / or the corner portion 130 of the leg tube 112 may coincide with the top apex 105 of the interior space 102, and the bottom end 113b and / or the foot portion 114 of the leg tube 112 may coincide with the bottom apex 107 of the interior space 102.

[0081] In this implementation, each X-frame assembly 140a can include a pair of X-tubes 142a and 142b that are arranged to cross each other to form a single X-shaped structure. The X-tubes 142a and 142b can be rotatably coupled to each other and to the respective corners 130 and sliders 120 of the adjacent leg support assemblies 110a. Thus, the X-frame assembly 140a is a pivotable and slidable X-frame assembly, where the X-tubes 142a and 142b rotate relative to each other and the leg support assemblies 110a, and translate relative to the leg tubes 112 via movement of the sliders 120. This allows the frame 100a to be folded into a more compact structure that occupies less volume and / or allows for a larger interior space 102 compared to, for example, a conventional play yard with an X-shaped frame assembly that can only pivot.

[0082] In some implementations, the manner in which the multiple X-frame assemblies 140a and leg support assemblies 110a are connected together can allow a caregiver to fold and / or extend the frame 100a in a single step. For example, a caregiver can extend the frame 100a by moving the slider 120 on one leg support assembly 110a toward the corner 130. The movement of the slider 120 then causes the adjacent X-frame assembly 140a to rotate and translate. The movement of the adjacent X-frame assembly 140a then causes the slider 120 on the adjacent leg support assembly 110a to move in a similar manner. This process can occur simultaneously for all X-frame assemblies 140a and all sliders 120, resulting in the frame 100a being extended as the caregiver moves the slider 120 on one leg support assembly 110a. Once the frame 100a is extended, a latch mechanism 200a (which will be described in more detail below) can be actuated to lock the frame 100a in the extended configuration (e.g., the latch mechanism 200a prevents the sliders 120 from sliding back down the respective leg tubes 112 toward the feet 114).

[0083] In some implementations, the frame 100a can be folded and / or extended while the foot 114 of the leg support assembly 110a remains in contact with the ground 90. Also, the leg tubes 112 can remain vertically upright or nearly vertically upright when the frame 100a is folded and / or extended (e.g., the leg tubes 112 can be intentionally tilted to improve stability when the frame 100a is extended). In this manner, the process of folding and / or extending the frame 100a can be made easier for the caregiver. For example, the caregiver will not have to balance the frame 100a to prevent it from tipping over while setting up and / or taking down the playard 1000a.

[0084] 2B, in some implementations, the X-tubes 142a and 142b of each X-frame assembly 140a can be positioned within the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a and / or the interior space 102 when the frame 100a is extended. In other words, the X-frame assembly 140a can form a perimeter structure around the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a that outlines the horizontal cross-section of the upper opening of the interior space 102. For example, FIG. 2C shows that the X-frame assembly 140a forms an upper perimeter structure 109 that outlines a regular hexagon that corresponds to the shape of the interior space 102.

[0085] Positioning the X-tubes 142a and 142b within the upper portion 108 of the frame when the frame is in an extended configuration provides several benefits to the frame 100a, and to a foldable playard comprising the frame 100a.

[0086] First, each X-frame assembly 140a in the frame 100a can function as a top rail that connects two adjacent leg support assemblies 110a together and provides mechanical rigidity and stability to the frame 100a. In other words, the X-frame assembly 140a can be extended to such an extent that the X-tubes 142a and 142b form a shallow X-frame structure in the upper portion 108 of the frame that effectively functions as a rigid top rail. For example, in the limit where each slider 120 is positioned close to each corner 130 of the adjacent leg support assembly 110a, the X-tubes 142a and 142b can be in approximately parallel alignment with each other when viewing the frame 100a from the side or front. Thus, each X-tube 142a and 142b can function separately as a top rail.

[0087] In some implementations, the leg support assemblies 110a may be connected to each other only via the X-frame assembly 140a. In other words, the frame 100a may exclude other support structures, such as separate flexible and / or rigid top rails (e.g., the webbing 14 of the play yards 10a and 10b shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the rigid top rail 32 of the play yard 10c shown in FIG. 1C) or bottom support structures (e.g., the bottom support structure 34 of the play yard 10c shown in FIG. 1C), which may significantly reduce the number of parts for manufacturing and assembly. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, when the frame 100a is extended, the portion of the leg tube 112 positioned between the bottom end 113b and the slider 120 may not be connected to another portion of the frame 100a (e.g., the bottom portion of the leg tube 112 is not mechanically constrained).

[0088] In some implementations, the frame 100a (including only the leg support assemblies 110a and the X-frame assemblies 140a for connecting the leg support assemblies 110a together) can have sufficient mechanical rigidity, stability, and / or strength to meet the requirements set forth in various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19, 7.3.3, 7.11). For example, FIG. 7B shows the play yard 1000a with the frame 100a in an extended state and with the mounted soft goods 300 undergoing a stability test (e.g., ASTM F406-19, 5.12, 8.17). For this test, the play yard 1000a was placed on a flat piece of plywood and tilted at various angles with a test weight disposed within the play yard 1000a leaning against one side of the frame 100a. Based on this testing, it was found that the playard 1000a will not tip over even when tilted at a 20 degree angle with at least three feet 114 remaining in contact with the plywood base. This result exceeds the requirements set forth in ASTM F406-19, 8.17, which requires that the playard maintain three points of contact with the plywood base when tilted up to a 10 degree angle.

[0089] This may be accomplished in part by tailoring the material and / or dimensions of the X-tubes 142a and 142b to provide mechanical properties that ensure that the frame 100a is mechanically rigid and stable when deployed. For example, the X-tubes 142a and 142b may be formed from steel tubing having an outer diameter of about 0.625 inches (5 / 8 inches) and an overall length of about 24.5 inches. The term "about," when used to describe the dimensions of the X-tubes 142a and 142b, is intended to cover manufacturing tolerances. For example, "about 0.625 inches" may correspond to the following dimensional ranges: 0.61875 inches to 0.63125 inches (+ / - 1% tolerance), 0.62 inches to 0.63 inches (+ / - 0.8% tolerance), 0.62125 inches to 0.62875 inches (+ / - 0.6% tolerance), 0.6225 inches to 0.6275 inches (+ / - 0.4% tolerance), 0.62375 inches to 0.62625 inches (+ / - 0.2% tolerance). Similar tolerances may be applied to describe the overall length of the X-tubes 142a and 142b.

[0090] It should also be appreciated that the X-tubes 142a and 142b may be formed from other materials, including, but not limited to, aluminum and carbon fiber. The X-tubes 142 and 142b may also have different dimensions, depending in part on the desired size of the frame 100a and / or the interior space 102, and the mechanical properties of the material used to form the X-tubes 142a and 142b. In some implementations, the X-frame assemblies 140a may all have substantially the same or identical dimensions and / or shapes, resulting in an interior space 102 having a horizontal cross-section shaped as a regular polygon. In some implementations, the frame 100a may include X-frame assemblies 140a having different dimensions and / or shapes, resulting in an interior space 102 that is distorted in shape.

[0091] 2B, the length L (defined as the distance between the top end 113a and the bottom end 113b) of the leg tubes 112 may generally be kept relatively small, where possible, to reduce the likelihood of the frame 100a tipping, particularly when forces are applied along the top portion 108 of the frame 100a. For example, the length L may be chosen to ensure that certain constraints on the frame 100a are met. These constraints include (1) providing a desired height for the interior space 102, (2) providing sufficient overlap with the foot portion 114 and the corner portion 130 to couple the foot portion 114 and the corner portion 130 to the leg tubes 112, and / or (3) providing sufficient space for the slider 120 to move between the foot portion 114 and the corner portion 130 to fold and / or extend the frame 100a. It should be appreciated that the lateral and vertical dimensions of the interior space 102 are coupled due in part to the rotational and translational movement of the X-frame assembly 140a (e.g., an increase in the lateral dimension of the interior space 102 results in a corresponding increase in the vertical dimension, ensuring that the X-frame assembly 140a has sufficient room to slide vertically along the leg tubes, and thus to fold).

[0092] In some implementations, the length L of the leg tubes 112 can be about 26 inches. As with the dimensions of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b, the term "about" when used to describe the dimensions of the leg tubes 112 is intended to cover manufacturing tolerances. The tolerance values ​​can be the same as the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b. In some implementations, the leg tubes 112 in the leg support assembly 110a can be substantially identical or identical. In some implementations, the leg tubes 112 can have different shapes and / or dimensions (e.g., some leg tubes 112 can be oriented vertically while other leg tubes 112 can be tilted when the frame 100a is extended).

[0093] Second, another benefit provided by positioning the X-tubes 142a and 142b within the upper portion 108 of the frame when the frame is in an extended configuration is that the X-frame assembly 140a occupies a smaller portion of the side 106 of the interior space 102 as compared to a conventional play yard with an X-frame assembly. When the soft goods 300 include transparent and / or see-through side portions, locating the X-frame assembly 140a within the upper portion 108 of the frame allows for greater visibility of the partially enclosed space 301 when the soft goods 300 are coupled to the frame 100a. Stated another way, the X-frame assembly 140a does not visually obstruct and / or impede the caregiver from seeing their child 50 when the child is within the play yard 1000a.

[0094] Additionally, the soft goods 300 can use less material to cover the X-frame assembly 140a. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 can cover the corners 130 of the leg support assembly 110a and partially cover the X-frame assembly 140a such that the latch mechanism 200a remains accessible to a caregiver when disposed on the top portion 108 of the frame 100a. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 can completely cover the X-frame assembly 140a and the corners 130 and sliders 120 of the leg support assembly 110a such that an observer can only see the leg tubes 112 and / or the foot portion 114 of the leg support assembly 110a. In this manner, the foldable play yard 1000a can be presented with a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing appearance to consumers in both indoor and outdoor environments.

[0095] 2B, the upper portion 108 may generally correspond to the portion of the frame 100a proximate the upper ends 113a of the leg tubes 112 and / or the corners 130 of the respective leg support assemblies 110a. More specifically, the upper portion 108 may be defined as the portion of the frame 100a that is positioned between the top horizontal plane 92 and the bottom horizontal plane 91, where the top horizontal plane 92 intersects with the upper ends 113a and / or the corners 130 of the leg tubes 112 and the bottom horizontal plane 91 is offset by a distance x along the length of each leg tube 112. 1 When the frame 100a is extended, the X-tubes 142a and 142b, the slider 120, and the corner portion 130 are disposed within the upper portion 108. The offset distance x 1may be defined as a percentage of the total length L of the leg tubes 112, assuming that the leg tubes 112 in the frame 100a have the same length. In some implementations, the offset distance x 1 may be 30% or less of the total length L of the leg tube 112, and more preferably, may be 20% or less of the total length of the leg tube 112.

[0096] FIG. 2B also illustrates that frame 100a has an overall vertical height H 1 and the overall vertical height H 1 is defined as the distance from the ground 90 to the upper horizontal plane 92 along a vertical axis (i.e., perpendicular to the ground) in the extended configuration. FIG. 2E similarly illustrates how the frame 100a extends to an overall vertical height H 2 and the overall vertical height H 2 is defined as the distance from the ground 90 to the upper horizontal plane 92A in the folded configuration. In some implementations, the height of the frame 100a remains substantially constant or can remain constant between the folded and extended configurations of the frame. In other words, the height H 1 and H 2 can be equal or substantially similar, with planes 92 and 92A being coplanar or substantially coplanar. However, in some implementations, the height of frame 100a can change due to, for example, leg support assemblies 110a flaring outward when frame 100a is extended, as discussed in more detail below. When frame 100a flares outward in the extended configuration, height H 2 is the height H 1 92A in the folded configuration may be disposed somewhat above plane 92 in the extended configuration).

[0097] 3A and 3B show additional views of the X-shaped frame assembly 140a in the frame 100a. As shown, the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b may be rotatably coupled to each other via a pin joint 145. The X-shaped tube 142a may have a first end 143a and a second end 143b, where the first end 143a is rotatably coupled to the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a via a pin joint 146a and the second end 143b is rotatably coupled to the slider 120 of another leg support assembly 110a via a pin joint 146b. Similarly, the X-shaped tube 142b may be rotatably coupled to the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a via a pin joint 146d and may be rotatably coupled to the slider 120 of another leg support assembly 110a via a pin joint 146c.

[0098] The pin joints 145 and 146a-146d may generally include a fastener (not shown) with a shaft that is inserted through an opening 147 (see FIG. 4B) on the X-tubes 142a and 142b to allow rotational movement between the X-tubes 142a and 142b, the slider 120, and the corner portion 130. The fastener may be various types of captive fasteners, including, but not limited to, rivets with caps (e.g., roll rivets) and bolt fasteners with nuts.

[0099] Generally, the nominal dimensions and tolerances of the openings 147 and the fastener shafts affect how tight or loose the pin joints 145 and 146a-146d are. If the openings 147 are sized to interfere with the fasteners (e.g., the size of the openings 147 is smaller than the size of the fastener shafts), the caregiver may have to apply more force to rotate the X-tubes 142a and 142b. In some cases, the pin joints 145 and 146a-146d may be too tight, preventing each foot 114 of each leg support assembly 110a from contacting the ground 90 when the frame 100a is extended. For example, the caregiver may be able to move the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a toward the corresponding corner 130, but the opposing side of the frame 100a may only be partially extended. In contrast, if the size of the opening 147 were significantly larger than the fastener shaft, the pin joints 145 and 146a-146d could allow the X-tubes 142a and 142b to rotate and / or translate along other axes of undesired motion (e.g., the frame 100a could wobble), which could compromise the mechanical stability of the frame 100a. Thus, in some implementations, the nominal dimensions and tolerances of the openings 147 and the fastener shafts are chosen to be loose enough to ensure that the feet 114 of the leg support assembly 110a contact the ground 90, while still being tight enough to limit undesired rotational and / or translational motion between the X-tubes 142a and 142b and / or the slider 120 or corner portion 130, among others. For example, the tolerance (or clearance) between the shaft of the fastener and the edge of the opening 147 can be about 0.010 inches or greater, and more preferably about 0.015 inches or greater.

[0100] 3A, the pin joints 145 may be generally positioned along the length of each X-tube 142a and 142b. For example, the pin joints 145 may be offset a distance z from the first end 143a. 1 and offset distance z from second end 143b. 2 In some implementations, the offset distance z 1 and z 2 may be equal, causing the first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-tubes 142a and 142b, respectively, to follow the same circular path when the X-tubes 142a and 142b are rotated, which in turn causes the orientation of the leg support assemblies 110a to remain unchanged when the frame 100a is folded and / or extended. For example, the leg tubes 112 of each leg support assembly 110a may remain vertically oriented for both the folded and extended configurations.

[0101] However, in other implementations, the offset distance z 1 and z 2 For example, the offset distance z 2 is the offset distance z 11, causing the first end 143a of the X-tube 142a to follow a smaller circular path and the second end 143b to follow a larger circular path as the X-tube 142a is rotated. The respective first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-tube 142b can similarly follow smaller and larger circular paths, respectively, which can cause the leg support assembly 110a (and, in particular, the leg tubes 112) to flare outward when the frame 100a is extended. In other words, the leg tubes 112 of the leg support assembly 110a may be tilted due to the rotational movement of the X-tubes 142a and 142b in the X-frame assembly 140a such that the top ends 113a constitute the apex of a smaller horizontal cross section (parallel to the ground) than the bottom ends 113b (i.e., the top ends 113a are positioned closer to each other than the bottom ends 113b). In this manner, the frame 100a may define an interior space 102 having a truncated pyramidal interior shape, as described above, which may be beneficial in improving the mechanical stability of the frame 100a (e.g., the frame 100a is less likely to be tilted and toppled over). Referring again to FIG. 2B, in some implementations, the leg support assembly 110a may be flared outward such that the respective longitudinal axes 111a associated with the leg tubes 112 are inclined at an angle θ with respect to the ground 90, the angle being in the range of between 80 degrees and 88 degrees, and more preferably in the range of between 83 degrees and 85 degrees.

[0102] 3B, in some implementations, the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b may be curved in shape. For example, the first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-shaped tube 142a may be aligned along a first axis 141a, while the central portion 144 of the X-shaped tube 142a is aligned along a second axis 141b, which is parallel to and offset from the axis 141a. The X-shaped tube 142b can have a similar curved shape as the X-shaped tube 142a. In some implementations, the offset between the first axis 141a and the second axis 141b can be selected to provide sufficient clearance between the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b, as shown in FIG. 3B, such that the first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b, respectively, lie on the same plane (e.g., the side 106 of the interior space 102). This, in turn, allows the corners 130 and portions of the slider 120 to also lie on the same plane as the first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b. In some implementations, aligning the corners 130 and the slider 120 in this manner can allow the frame 100a to fold more compactly.

[0103] 3C-3E show additional views of the leg support assembly 110a on the frame 100a. As shown, the leg tube 112 can be a substantially elongated hollow tube that defines a path along which the slider 120 travels when the frame 100a is folded and / or extended. In some implementations, the leg tube 112 can be substantially straight, such that the slider 120 follows a straight path along the longitudinal axis 111a (see FIGS. 2A-2C). However, it should be appreciated that the leg tube 112 can be curved in other implementations to define a correspondingly curved path for the slider 120 to follow. Examples of curved leg tubes 112 will be discussed in more detail below. In some implementations, the leg tube 112 can have a cross-section that remains constant along the length L of the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the leg tubes 112 can have a variety of cross-sectional shapes, including but not limited to circular, elliptical, and oval shapes, and can be formed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber.

[0104] The slider 120 can include a base 121 that defines a through-hole opening 122 that is shaped and / or sized to surround the foot tube 112, thus allowing the slider 120 to slidably move along the foot tube 112. In some implementations, the shape of the opening 122 can match the cross-sectional shape of the foot tube 112. The slider 120 can further include an extension portion 124 that is coupled to one side of the base 121 and connects an X-tube 142a of one X-frame assembly 140a to the slider 120 via fasteners that are inserted through openings on the extension portion 124 that are aligned with openings 147 of the X-tube 142a (see, for example, the exploded views of FIGS. 4A and 4B ). The extension portion 124 may also include a recessed opening for receiving an end of the X-tube 142a that is connected to the slider 120. The slider 120 may also include an extension portion 126 similar to the extension portion 124, but disposed opposite the extension portion 124, that connects the X-tube 142b of another X-frame assembly 140a to the slider 120 via another fastener that is inserted through an opening in the extension portion 126 that is aligned with the opening 147 in the X-tube 142b.

[0105] The extensions 124 and 126 may be generally oriented at an angle relative to one another to align the respective X-tubes 142a and 142b from the adjacent X-frame assembly 140a along the desired geometry of the interior space 102. For example, the extensions 124 and 126 may be rotated relative to one another by an obtuse angle of approximately 120 degrees, which corresponds to the angle between adjacent sides of a hexagon. In some implementations, the extensions 124 and 126 may lie on the same horizontal plane. In some implementations, the extensions 124 and 126 may be vertically offset from one another if the respective X-tubes 142a and 142b coupled to the slider 120 are not identical. In some implementations, the sliders 120 of the leg support assembly 110a may be identical to one another, thus reducing the number of unique parts for manufacturing.

[0106] The corner portion 130 can include a base 131 that defines an opening 132 for receiving the upper end 113a of the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the shape of the opening 132 can match the cross-sectional shape of the leg tube 112. Similar to the slider 120, the corner portion 130 can include extensions 134 and 136 that are disposed on opposite sides of the base 131 and use a similar attachment mechanism as the slider 120 (e.g., fasteners inserted through openings aligned with openings 147 in the X-tubes 142a and 142b (see, e.g., exploded views in FIGS. 4A and 4B ) to couple the X-tube 142b of one X-frame assembly 140a and the X-tube 142a of another X-frame assembly 140a to the corner portion 130. The extensions 134 and 136 may each have a recessed opening for receiving the respective ends of the X-tubes 142a and 142b.

[0107] Additionally, extensions 134 and 136 may be oriented at an angle relative to one another to align the respective X-tubes 142a and 142b from adjacent X-frame assemblies 140a along a desired geometry of interior space 102. Extensions 134 and 136 may also lie on the same horizontal plane and / or be vertically offset from one another if the respective X-tubes 142a and 142b coupled to the corners 130 are not identical. In some implementations, corners 130 of leg support assemblies 110a may be identical to one another, thus reducing the number of unique parts for manufacture.

[0108] FIG. 3C further illustrates that the corner portion 130 can include a tab portion 138 that extends downwardly along the leg tube 112 and supports a snap-fit ​​connector 139 for attaching the soft goods 300 to the frame 100a. In some implementations, the tab portion 138 can be shaped and / or dimensioned to position the snap-fit ​​connector 139 at a desired location along the leg tube 112. For example, the snap-fit ​​connector 139 can be offset from the top end 113a to ensure that the soft goods 300 overlaps and wraps around the top portion 108 of the frame 100a. In some implementations, the openings formed in the tab portion 138 to attach the snap-fit ​​connector 139 to the corner portion 130 can be used to securely connect the corner portion 130 to the leg tube 112 using the same fasteners.

[0109] 3E shows a close-up view of the foot 114 of the leg support assembly 110a. As described above, the foot 114 supports the frame 100a and the foldable playard 1000a above the ground 90. As shown, the foot 114 can define an opening 115 for receiving the bottom end 113b of the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the shape of the opening 115 can match the cross-sectional shape of the leg tube 112. The foot 114 can further include an opening 119 for securely coupling the foot 114 to the leg tube 112, for example, using a fastener (see, for example, FIG. 4C).

[0110] In some implementations, the foot 114 can also include a loop or ring-like structure that extends from the base of the foot 114 and provides another attachment point for connecting the soft goods 300 to the frame 100a. For example, FIG. 3E shows that the foot 114 can include a D-ring 116 that defines a D-shaped opening 117. The soft goods 300 can include a strap or tether that is inserted through the D-shaped opening 117 and tied to the foot 114 to mechanically attach the bottom portion of the soft goods 300 to the frame 100a. As shown, the D-shaped opening 117 can be aligned such that the centerline axis 118 of the opening 117 is aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 111a of the leg tube 112. This orientation also allows the D-ring 116 to increase the area over which the foot 114 contacts the ground 90, which can further improve the mechanical stability of the frame 100a. However, it should be appreciated that the orientation and placement of the D-ring 116 may be varied in other implementations. For example, the D-ring 116 may be rotated 90 degrees relative to the ground such that the axis 118 of the opening 117 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 111a.

[0111] FIG. 5A shows the foldable play yard 1000a with the soft goods 300 coupled to the frame 100a. As described above, the soft goods 300 define a partially enclosed space 301 that is placed within the interior space 102 of the frame 100a to accommodate a child. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 can remain attached to the frame 100a when the frame 100a is folded and / or extended. As shown in FIG. 5A, the soft goods 300 can include a floor portion 304 that rests on the ground 90 when the play yard 1000a is extended. The soft goods 300 can also include a side portion 306 that defines and surrounds the partially enclosed space 301. In some implementations, the side portions 306 can be transparent (e.g., clear plastic) or see-through (e.g., mesh) such that a child in the playard can be observed from outside the partially enclosed space 301. The soft goods 300 can also include one or more straps (e.g., Velcro straps) and / or tethers to couple the soft goods 300 to respective D-rings 116 of respective feet 114 of the leg support assembly 110a.

[0112] The soft goods 300 may also include a soft goods top portion 302 that may wrap the soft goods 300 around the top portion 108 of the frame 100a. As shown in FIG. 5A, the soft goods top portion 302 may be formed from an opaque textile material with multiple layers of fabric to provide padding over the portion of the frame 100a that is covered. The soft goods 300 may also include integrated snap-fit ​​connectors 312 that connect to snap-fit ​​receivers 139 of the corners 130. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 may include an equal number of snap-fit ​​connectors 312 so that the soft goods 300 may be attached to each corner 130 of the frame 100a. In some implementations, the snap-fit ​​connectors 312 may be disposed on tabs 310 that are attached to the interior pieces of the soft goods 300 along the soft goods top portion 302, as shown in FIG. 5C. The tab 310 can strengthen the interior piece of the soft goods top portion 302 and ensure that the soft goods top portion 302 remains flush against the frame 100a (e.g., the soft goods top portion 302 does not curl upwards) when the snap fit connector 312 is connected to the snap fit connector 139 on the corner portion 130 as shown in Figure 5B. The tab 310 can be formed from a flexible material (e.g., polyethylene, etc.) and can be shaped to be stiffer than the surrounding textile material of the soft goods 300.

[0113] 6A-6D show multiple views of the latch mechanism 200a disposed on the frame 100a. As described above, the latch mechanism 200a can lock the frame 100a in an extended configuration. In particular, the latch mechanism 200a can maintain the sliders 120 of the leg support assembly 110a in close proximity to the corresponding corners 130 such that the X-frame assembly 140a remains extended forming a shallow X-frame structure in the upper portion 108 of the frame. Thus, the latch mechanism 200a can provide sufficient mechanical restraint to support various forces and / or torques applied to one or more of the sliders 120 (e.g., the weight of the X-tubes 142a and 142b acting on the sliders 120).

[0114] The latch mechanism 200a may generally be coupled to and / or coupled together various components of the frame 100a, including but not limited to the slider 120, the corner 130, and the X-tube 142a or 142b. Moreover, the latch mechanism 200a may be at least partially disposed within the top portion 108 of the frame 100a. This may allow the latch mechanism 200a to be at least partially covered by the soft goods 300. For example, the latch mechanism 200a may directly couple the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a to the X-tube 142a or 142b of an adjacent X-frame assembly 140a, as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0115] The frame 100a may generally include one or more latch mechanisms disposed on one or more of the leg support assemblies 110a and / or the X-frame assembly 140a. For example, the frame 100a may include latch mechanisms disposed on opposing sides of the frame 100a to ensure that the frame 100a maintains an evenly extended shape (e.g., one side of the frame 100a does not sag downward relative to another side) when extended. However, in other implementations, a single latch mechanism is sufficient to lock the frame 100a in an extended configuration while maintaining the various leg support assemblies 110a and the X-frame assembly 140a in an evenly extended state. 2A-2C, for example, these figures show that the frame 100a includes a single latch mechanism 200a that is partially disposed on one leg support assembly 110a and one X-frame assembly 140a. In some implementations, the latch mechanism 200a may be configured to withstand a load of 10 pounds or more before being disengaged or unlocked.

[0116] 6A shows that the latch mechanism 200a can include a latch member 210 (also referred to herein as a "flex lock") with a top end 211a coupled to a corner portion 130 of one of the leg support assemblies 110a and a latch boss 230 coupled to an X-tube 142a of one of the X-frame assemblies 140a. The latch member 210 can include an opening 212 disposed at a first end 211a that aligns with an opening on the corner portion 130 that is used to couple to the X-tube 142b. In this manner, a single fastener can couple the latch member 210, the corner portion 130, and the X-tube 142b together, and the corner portion 130 can remain unmodified. In other words, the latch member 210 may be coupled to any one of the corners 130 of the leg support assembly 110a of the frame 100a, provided that the latch boss 230 is coupled to one of the X-tubes 142a and 142b adjacent to the leg support assembly 110a. In some implementations, the latch member 210 may be coupled to the corners 130 via a pin joint connection or a rigid connection (e.g., the latch member 210 cannot be rotated relative to the corners 130). The latch boss 230 may include an opening that is shaped and / or sized to fit with the X-tube 142a, thus allowing the latch boss 230 to be slid over the X-tube 142a for assembly. FIG. 6B shows that the latch boss 230 can then be coupled to the X-shaped tube 142a, for example, using fasteners inserted through respective openings (not shown) on the latch boss 230 and the X-shaped tube 142a.

[0117] 6A, the latch member 210 can include a latch opening 214 disposed at a second end 211b of the latch member 210 located opposite from the first end 211a. The latch opening 214 can be shaped and / or sized to receive the latch boss 230. In other words, the latch opening 214 can function as a latch catch. In this manner, the latch member 210 can directly couple the corner portion 130 to the X-tube 142b by engaging with the latch boss 230 and thus retaining the slider 120 in the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a near the corner portion 130.

[0118] The latch member 210 can also include a tab 220 disposed at the second end 211b. In general, the latch member 210 can be a mechanically flexible component that bends when a caregiver pulls on the tab 220, disengaging the latch member 210 from the latch boss 230. The latch member 210 can also have sufficient mechanical rigidity such that a restoring force is generated when bent by a caregiver. When the caregiver releases the tab 220, the restoring force can return the latch member 210 to its original shape. In some implementations, the latch member 210 can be formed from a plastic material. The latch member 210 can further have a sufficient thickness and / or be reinforced by an integral rib structure to provide the desired mechanical rigidity.

[0119] In some implementations, the latch mechanism 200a can be a double action latch mechanism (e.g., a caregiver must perform two actions to unlock the latch mechanism). For example, FIG. 6C shows that the latch opening 214 of the latch member 210 can include a tab 216 disposed therein. FIG. 6D shows that the latch boss 230 can include an undercut portion 232 that forms a notch or slot between the X-tube 142a and the end portion 236. Thus, when the latch member 210 is coupled to the latch boss 230, the tab 216 of the latch member 210 is disposed in the undercut portion 232 and is retained by the end portion 236 of the latch boss 230. In some implementations, the tab 216 may further define a slot 218, as shown in FIG. 6C, and the latch boss 230 may further include a rib 234 partially disposed within the undercut portion 232, as shown in FIG. 6D, which together facilitate alignment of the tab 216 with the undercut portion 232 and ensure that the latch member 210 is properly engaged with the latch boss 230.

[0120] To set up the frame 100a (and thus the playard 1000a), a caregiver can first move the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a toward the corresponding corner portion 130 to partially extend the frame 100a. As the frame 100a is extended, a latch boss 230 disposed on the X-tube 142a is displaced toward the latch member 210 coupled to the corner portion 130. When the latch boss 230 reaches the latch member 210 (and, among other things, the tab 216), further movement of the slider 120 along the leg tube 112 results in contact between the latch boss 230 and the tab 216, which causes the latch member 210 to be deflected outward. In some implementations, the latch member 210 can include a lead-in feature (e.g., a slanted or angled wall portion, etc.) on the tab 216 (not shown). The lead-in feature can allow the latch member 210 to be more effectively deflected as the latch boss 230 slides relative to the latch member 210 by orienting the contact force between the latch member 210 and the latch boss 230 along a direction that increases the amount of torque applied to bend the latch member 210 (note that as shown in FIG. 6A, the pivot point of the latch member 210 is positioned at the mounting opening 212).

[0121] As the latch member 210 is deflected by further movement of the slider 120 along the leg tube 112, an internal restoring force is generated within the latch member 210, which is applied against the latch boss 230. As the caregiver continues to move the slider 120 toward the corner 130, the latch member 210 is deflected further outward, resulting in a higher magnitude restoring force being applied against the latch boss 230. When the slider 120 is moved close enough to the corner 130, the latch boss 230 passes through the latch opening 214, and the restoring force causes the latch member 210 to snap back to its original position, such that the latch boss 230 protrudes through the latch opening 214. When the caregiver releases the slider 120, the slider 120 is allowed to move slightly downward along the leg tube 112 due to gravity, causing the undercut portion 232 of the latch boss 230 to rest on the tab 216 of the latch member 210.

[0122] FIG. 6E illustrates how a caregiver can transition the frame 100a and playard 1000a from an extended configuration to a folded configuration by disengaging the double action latch mechanism 200a. As shown in FIG. 6E, the caregiver can first squeeze the X-tubes 142a and 142b (as indicated by the up and down arrows in FIG. 6E), which causes the slider 120 to move upward along the leg tube 112, thus disengaging the tab 216 of the latch member 210 from the undercut portion 232 of the latch boss 230. While the caregiver is squeezing the X-tubes 142a and 142b together with one hand, the caregiver can then pull the tab 220 of the latch member 210 with the other hand, releasing the latch boss 230 from the latch opening 214 (as indicated by the curved arrow in FIG. 6E). Thus, the "double action" of the latch mechanism 200a is a "squeeze and pull." While holding the latch member 210, the caregiver can then release the X-tubes 142a and 142b, and the slider 120 can then drop downward along the leg tubes 112, due in part to the weight of the X-frame assembly 140a. The caregiver can then move the slider 120 downward toward the foot 114 of the leg support assembly 110a, thus collapsing the playard 1000a.

[0123] 6D, in some implementations of the double action latch mechanism 200a, the undercut portion 232 and end portion 236 of the latch boss 230 and the tab 216 of the latch member 210 may be shaped and / or dimensioned such that the latch member 210 cannot be pulled away from the latch boss 230 without the application of a significant force (e.g., greater than 20 pounds). For example, FIG. 7A shows a force test being applied to the double action latch mechanism 200a showing that the latch member 210 remains engaged with the latch boss 230 when a force of greater than 24 pounds is applied to the tab 220.

[0124] It should be appreciated that in other implementations, the play yard 1000a (and, in particular, the frame 100a) can include other types of latching mechanisms. For example, Figures 8A-8D show a play yard 1000a in which the frame 100a includes a single-action latch mechanism 200b (e.g., a caregiver is required to perform only one action to release the latch mechanism) instead of (or in addition to) the double-action latch mechanism 200a discussed immediately above.

[0125] Specifically, FIG. 8A shows the play yard 1000a with the soft goods 300 installed on the frame 100a, where the soft goods 300 cover the corner 130 of the leg support assembly 110a and partially cover the X-frame assembly 140a. As such, a portion of the single-action latch mechanism 200b remains exposed to provide access to the caregiver (see, for example, FIG. 8B). As shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, the single-action latch mechanism 200b can also include a latch member 210 that is coupled to the corner 130 at one end via a fastener that is inserted through an opening 212 on the latch member 210. The latch member 210 can again include a latch opening 214 for receiving the latch boss 230. In this implementation, the latch boss 230 is shown coupled to the X-tube 142b of the X-frame assembly 140a.

[0126] The single action latch mechanism 200b can be locked in a manner similar to the double action latch mechanism 200a. Specifically, the slider 120 is moved toward the corner portion 130, which causes the latch boss 230 to initially deflect the latch member 210 until the latch boss 230 reaches the latch opening 214. At this point, a restoring force generated in the latch member 210 causes the latch member 210 to return to its original position with the latch boss 230 protruding through the latch opening 214. In this manner, the single action latch mechanism 200b is capable of holding the frame 100a in an extended configuration.

[0127] To unlock the single action latch mechanism 200b and collapse the frame 100a, the caregiver can pull the tab 220 to deflect and / or bend the latching member 210 outward, thus releasing the latch member 210 from the latch boss 230. As before, while the caregiver is holding the latch member 210, the slider 120 can then move downwardly along the leg tube 112 through a combination of gravity and the caregiver moving the slider 120 towards the foot 114 of the leg support assembly 110a, as shown in FIG. 8D. In this manner, the play yard 1000a can be folded.

[0128] 9A-9F show another exemplary latch mechanism 200c mounted on the frame 100a of the play yard 1000a. FIG. 9A again shows the frame 100a covered by the soft goods 300. FIG. 9B shows the soft goods 300 only partially covering the X-frame assembly 140a, leaving the bottom portion of the latch mechanism 200c exposed. FIG. 9C shows the frame 100a without the soft goods 300 attached. As shown, the latch mechanism 200c can be positioned on the frame 100a similar to the double action latch mechanism 200a, with the single action latch mechanism 200b (i.e., the latch mechanism 200c) disposed within the top portion 108 of the frame 100a.

[0129] 9D again illustrates that the latch mechanism 200c can include a latch member 210 that is coupled to the corner portion 130 via a fastener inserted through an opening 212 at one end of the latch member 210. However, in this example, the latch member 210 can form a notch 240a that is shaped and / or sized to form a snap-fit ​​connection with the X-tube 142b. In this manner, the latch mechanism 200c can utilize fewer parts compared to the latch mechanisms 200a and 200b (e.g., the latch mechanism 200c only includes the latch member 210 and a fastener for coupling the latch member 210 to the corner portion 130). As shown, the notch 240a can be shaped to match the cross-sectional shape of the X-tube 142b. As before, the latch member 210 can be a mechanically flexible component that can bend and / or deflect due to contact with the X-shaped tube 142b (e.g., when the frame 100a is extended) and / or by a caregiver pulling on a tab 220 disposed at a bottom end of the latch member 210 to release the latch member 210 from the X-shaped tube 142b (e.g., when the frame 100a is folded).

[0130] In the implementation shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, the frame 100a (and thus the playard 1000a) may be set up by the caregiver again moving the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a toward the corresponding corner 130. When the X-tube 142b contacts the latch member 210 (and specifically, the tab 220), the latch member 210 may be biased outward. The latch member 210 may further include a lead-in feature 222 (e.g., a sloped wall) for biasing the latch member 210 when the latch member 210 contacts the X-tube 142b. The caregiver may then continue to move the slider 120 toward the corner 130 until the notch 240a aligns with the X-tube 142b.

[0131] In some implementations, the latch member 210 can be sufficiently flexible such that deflection of the latch member 210 does not create a significant restoring force. Thus, the caregiver needs to press the latch member 210 to snap-fit ​​the latch member 210 onto the X-tube 142b. However, in other implementations, the latch member 210 can instead generate an internal restoring force when bent and / or deflected (e.g., the latch member 210 includes a rib structure to increase the mechanical stiffness of the latch member 210). The restoring force can be of sufficient magnitude to cause the notch 240a to at least partially engage the X-tube 142b. In some cases, to ensure that the latch member 210 is properly engaged with the X-tube 142b, the caregiver can still press the latch member 210 onto the X-tube 142b, albeit with less force due to the restoring force generated in the latch member 210. In yet other implementations, the restoring force can instead be large enough to cause the latch member 210 to snap-fit ​​connect to the X-tube 142b without any additional action by the caregiver.

[0132] 9E, to unlock the latch mechanism 200c, the caregiver can pull the tab 220 with enough force to disengage the notch 240a from the X-tube 142b. In implementations in which the latch member 210 does not generate a significant restoring force, the caregiver can release the latch member 210 and the slider 120 can then move downward along the leg tube 112 via gravity and / or via the caregiver actively moving the slider 120, as shown in FIG. 9F. In implementations in which the latch member 210 does generate a significant restoring force, the caregiver can hold the latch member 210 with one hand until the slider 120 has moved a sufficient distance along the leg tube 112 such that the X-tube 142b is no longer aligned with the notch 240a.

[0133] Additionally, Figures 9D-9F show that in some implementations, the corners 130 can further include hooks 133 that protrude outwardly from the frame 100a. The hooks 133 can be used in part to pull the soft goods 300 taut around the frame 100a and / or act as a secondary restraining feature to prevent the soft goods 300 from prematurely dislodging from the frame 100a. In some implementations, the hooks 133 can also be used as a positioning feature to facilitate the installation of the soft goods 300 onto the frame 100a. Figures 9D-9F further show that in some implementations, the corners 130 can not include the snap-fit ​​connectors 139 as before. Instead, the snap-fit ​​connectors 190 can be attached directly onto the leg tubes 112.

[0134] 10 illustrates another exemplary latch mechanism 200d coupled to the frame 100a. The latch mechanism 200d is a variation of the latch mechanism 200c with the main difference that the latch member 210 is coupled to the X-tube 142a instead of the corner portion 130 via the opening 212 and a fastener inserted through the opening of the X-tube 142a. The latch mechanism 200d can be locked and / or unlocked in the same manner as the latch mechanism 200c. In some implementations, the latch member 210 of the latch mechanism 200d can be dimensioned to be shorter in length compared to the latch member 210 of the latch mechanism 200c due to the smaller separation distance between the X-tube 142a and the X-tube 142b.

[0135] 11A-11D show another exemplary latch mechanism 200e mounted on the frame 100a of the play yard 1000a. FIG 11A again shows the frame 100a covered by soft goods 300. FIG 11B again shows that the soft goods 300 partially cover the X-frame assembly 140a such that a bottom portion of the latch mechanism 200e is exposed, as are the latch mechanisms 200a-200d.

[0136] FIG. 11C again illustrates that the latch mechanism 200e can include a latch member 210 that is coupled to a corner 130 of one of the leg support assemblies 110a via a fastener inserted through an opening 212 at one end of the latch member 210. In this example, the latch member 210 can include a hook structure 240b near the tab 220. As shown, the hook structure 240b can provide a contoured surface upon which the X-tube 142b can rest when the frame 100a is extended. As before, the latch member 210 can be a mechanically flexible component that can be deflected and / or bent due to contact with the X-tube 142b and / or by a caregiver pulling on a tab 220 disposed at a bottom end of the latch member 210.

[0137] The latch mechanism 200e can lock the frame 100a in an extended configuration in a manner similar to the latch mechanisms 200a-d. When the caregiver moves the slider 120 toward the corner 130, the X-tube 142b can contact the latch member 210 and deflect outward. The latch member 210 can include a lead-in feature 222 formed between the hook structure 240b and a bottom end of the latch member 210 to guide the X-tube 142b moving relative to the latch member 210 and deflect the latch member 210 outward. Once the X-tube 142b is disposed above the hook structure 240b, the caregiver can release the slider 120, which can then move downward along the foot tube 112 until the X-tube 142b rests on the hook structure 240b.

[0138] In some implementations, the hook structure 240b can be shaped so that a caregiver can release the latch mechanism by pulling the tab 220 with sufficient force. In some implementations, the hook structure 240b can be shaped to support the X-tube 142b and / or the latch member 210 can be sufficiently rigid so that the latch member 210 acts as a double action latch mechanism in which the caregiver must apply a significant amount of force to disengage the latch member 210 from the X-tube 142b. Instead, the caregiver can lift the slider 120 and / or squeeze the X-tubes 142a and 142b so that the X-tube 142b is released from the hook structure 240b. While the caregiver is holding the X-shaped tube 142b above the hook structure 240b with one hand, the caregiver can then pull the latch member 210 outward, allowing the X-shaped tube 142b to fall below the hook structure 240b, as shown in FIG. 11D.

[0139] 12A and 12B show another exemplary latch mechanism 200f that directly couples a slider 120 to a corner 130 in the frame 100a of the foldable playard 1000a. As shown in FIG. 12A, the frame 100a may include only one latch mechanism 200f that is coupled to one leg support assembly 110a and supports multiple sliders 120 and / or X-frame assemblies 140a when the frame 100a is extended.

[0140] 12B illustrates that the latch mechanism 200f can include a latch member 243 disposed on the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a and a latch hook 242 disposed on the corresponding corner portion 130. The latch member 243 can be integrally formed on the slider 120 to form one single component, or can be fabricated as a separate component that is then coupled to the slider 120 using, for example, fasteners or a snap-fit ​​connection. In some implementations, when the latch member 243 is formed as a separate component, it can be coupled to openings in the slider 120 over the extensions 124 and 126 for coupling to the X-tubes 142a and / or 142b such that a single fastener couples the latch member 243, the slider 120, and one or more X-tubes 142a and / or 142b together. In this way, the slider 120 can remain identical to the other sliders 120 in the frame 100a.

[0141] The latch hooks 242 can likewise be integrally formed on the corner portions 130 to form one unitary component, or can be made as separate components which are then coupled to the slider 120. Similarly, when the latch hooks 242 are formed as separate components, they can be coupled to openings in the corner portions 130 formed on the extension portions 134 and 136 in a manner similar to the latch members 210 of the latch mechanism 200a, where the corner portions 130 remain unchanged and / or identical to the other corner portions 130 in the frame 100a.

[0142] The latch member 243 can include a first end 241a coupled to the slider 120 and a latch opening 244 disposed near a second end 241b opposite the first end 241a. The latch opening 244 can be shaped to receive the latch hook 242 on the corner portion 130. In some implementations, the latch hook 242 can have a contoured surface such that the portion of the latch member 243 forming the upper side of the opening 244 rests on the latch hook 242 when the latch mechanism 200f is locked. In this manner, the latch mechanism 200f can directly couple the slider 120 and the corner portion 130 together and hold the frame 100a in an extended configuration. Also, in some implementations, the latch opening 244 and the latch hook 242 may be shaped to reduce, or in some cases eliminate, relative translational and / or rotational movement between the slider 120 and the corner portion 130 along axes of movement other than the longitudinal axis 111a.

[0143] The latch member 243 can be a mechanically flexible component with a tab 220 disposed at the second end 241b, similar to the latch member 210 of the latch mechanism 200a. Although the latch member 243 is disposed on the slider 120, the latch member 243 can engage the latch hook 242 in a manner similar to the latch mechanisms 200a-200e. As before, the caregiver can move the slider 120 toward the corner portion 130. When the tab 220 of the latch member 243 contacts the bottom surface of the latch hook 242, the latch member 243 can be biased outward. As shown in FIG. 12B, the bottom surface of the latch hook 242 can form a lead-in feature (e.g., a sloped surface) to guide the latch member 243 as it is biased outward. The latch member 243 may be sufficiently rigid to generate an internal restoring force when the latch member 243 is bent. Thus, when the slider 120 is moved close enough to the corner 130 such that the latch hook 242 is aligned with the latch opening 244, the restoring force may cause the latch member 243 to snap back to its original configuration, and the latch hook 242 may then protrude through the latch opening 244.

[0144] Similar to the latch mechanism 200e, the latch mechanism 200f can be a single action latch mechanism in which the caregiver can release the latch member 243 from the latch hook 242 by pulling the tab 220 with sufficient force. In some implementations, the latch mechanism 200f can be a double action latch mechanism in which the latch hook 242 can be sufficiently rigid and / or include a sufficiently deep undercut portion such that the latch member 243 cannot be released by pulling the tab 220 without applying excessive force (e.g., greater than 20 lbf). The caregiver should instead raise the slider 120 such that the portion of the latch member 243 that forms the top side of the opening 244 is released from the latch hook 242. While holding the slider 120 in the raised position, the caregiver can then pull the latch member 243 outwardly to allow the slider 120 to move downward along the leg tube 112.

[0145] 13A-13H show another exemplary latch mechanism 200g mounted to the X-tubes 142a and 142b of one of the X-frame assemblies 140a. As shown in FIG. 13A, the frame 100a can include a single latch mechanism 200g that is mounted to one of the X-frame assemblies 140a and supports the frame 100a in an extended configuration. In some implementations, the latch mechanism 200g can be shaped and / or dimensioned to have the same or similar thickness as the X-frame assembly 140a, particularly such that the latch mechanism 200g does not protrude significantly outward from the frame 100a when the frame 100a is in a folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 13B. In other words, the thickness of the latch mechanism 200g can be the same as or similar to the distance separating the outer outer edge of the central portion 144 of the X-shaped tube 142a and the inner outer edge of the central portion 144 of the X-shaped tube 142b in FIG. 3B.

[0146] FIG. 13C illustrates that the latch mechanism 200g can replace the pin joint 145 and thus rotatably connect the X-tube 142a to the X-tube 142b such that the X-tubes 142a and 142b rotate about a rotation axis 252. FIG. 13D illustrates that the latch mechanism 200g can include a first housing 250a that is disposed on an outer portion of the frame 100a and rigidly connected to the X-tube 142b. In particular, the first housing 250a can include a notch 251a, and the X-tube 142b can be formed with a flat section 148 in the central portion 144 that fits into the notch 251a. Thus, the first housing 250a can rotate together with the X-tube 142b.

[0147] The latch mechanism 200g may further include a second housing 250b, which is disposed within the interior space 102 of the frame 100a and is rigidly coupled to the X-tube 142a. The second housing 250b may also include a notch 251b, and the X-tube 142a may have a flat section 148 that fits into the notch 251b such that the second housing 250b rotates with the X-tube 142a. The first housing 250a may be rotatably coupled to the second housing 250b via a shaft or pin (not shown) that is inserted through respective openings in the first housing 250a, the second housing 250b, and the X-tubes 142a and 142b along a rotation axis 252, as shown in FIG. 13D.

[0148] The first and second housings 250a and 250b can form a cavity for receiving a locking gear 254, which can translate along a rotational axis 252 relative to the first and second housings 250a and 250b to lock and / or unlock the latch mechanism 200g. The cavity can further receive a return spring 253, which is disposed between the locking gear 254 and the second housing 250b and provides a spring biasing force on the locking gear 254 to maintain the latch mechanism 200g in a default locked configuration. The locking gear 254 can include a pair of latch key sections 256 having interior sidewalls 257a defining a channel 257c shaped to restrict and lock the X-tubes 142a and 142b when the frame 100a is extended (e.g., the X-tubes 142a and 142b are arranged to form a shallow X-shaped frame structure). In other words, when the latch mechanism 200g is locked, the flat sections 148 of the X-tubes 142a and 142b can be disposed in the channel 257c where the sidewalls 257a abut opposing sides of the flat sections 148, preventing rotation of the X-tubes 142a and 142b.

[0149] When the play yard 1000a is in the folded configuration, the locking gear 254 may be disposed primarily within the second housing 250b, and the return spring 253 may be compressed due to the flat section 148 of each of the X-tubes 142a and / or 142b contacting and / or pressing against the front portion 257b of the locking gear 254. To unfold the play yard 1000a, again, the caregiver may move the slider 120 of at least one leg support assembly 110a and / or squeeze the X-tubes 142a and 142b of one X-frame assembly 140a together to extend the frame 100a. As the X-tubes 142a and 142b are rotated, the flat section 148 of each of the X-tubes 142a and 142b can slide along the front portion 257b of the locking gear 254, thus maintaining compression of the return spring 253. When the X-tubes 142a and 142b are rotated sufficiently such that the flat section 148 of each of the X-tubes 142a and 142b is aligned to match the geometry of the channel 257c, the spring 253 can then push the locking gear 254 outwardly toward the first housing 250a such that the flat section 148 is disposed in the channel 257c and constrained by the latch key section 256 (see FIGS. 13E and 13G).

[0150] 13D further illustrates that the latch mechanism 200g can include a release button 260 that is partially disposed in a recessed opening 259 formed along the front of the first housing 250a. The recessed opening 259 in the first housing 250a can be separated from a cavity formed between the first housing 250a and the second housing 250b by a recessed front surface of the first housing 250a. The release button 260 can be slidably coupled to the first housing 250a via a slot guide 258 and can include one or more tabs 262 that protrude through the recessed surface of the first housing 250a and contact a front portion 257b of the latch key section 256 on the locking gear 254.

[0151] To unlock the latch mechanism 200g, the caregiver can push the release button 260 into the recessed opening 259, causing the tab 262 to press against the latch key section 256 of the locking gear 254. The locking gear 254 is then displaced along the rotation axis 252 toward the second housing 250b, resulting in compression of the return spring 253. Once the locking gear 254 is sufficiently displaced (wherein the flat sections 148 of each of the X-tubes 142a and 142b are no longer disposed within the channel 257c), the caregiver can then rotate the X-tubes 142a and 142b and / or move the slider 120 of at least one leg support assembly 110a to collapse the frame 100a (see FIGS. 13F and 13H). In some implementations, the depth of the recessed opening 259 and / or the length of the tab 262 of the release button 260 can be adjusted to ensure sufficient travel distance for the release button 260 to disengage the locking gear 254 from the X-tubes 142a and 142b. In some implementations, the release button 260 can remain disposed in the recessed opening 259 until the play yard 1000a is extended.

[0152] 14A-14D show another exemplary latch mechanism 200h integrated into the X-tube 142b of one of the X-frame assemblies 140a and engaging the slider 120 of one of the leg support assemblies 110a in the frame 100a of the play yard 1000a. FIG. 14A again illustrates that the frame 100a may include only a single latch mechanism 200h to support the frame 100a in the extended configuration.

[0153] 14B illustrates that the latch mechanism 200h can include a latch 270 that is slidably coupled to the X-tube 142b and rotatably coupled to the slider 120 of one of the leg support assemblies 110a. A return spring 272 is at least partially disposed within an internal cavity of the X-tube 142b and can provide a spring bias that urges the latch 270 toward the leg tube 112. The leg tube 112 can include a latch opening 273 that is shaped and / or dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the latch 270 (e.g., a tip of the latch 270).

[0154] When the frame 100a is fully extended such that the slider 120 is positioned along the leg tube 112 to overlap the latch opening 273, the return spring 272 can urge the latch 270 into the latch opening 273, thus locking the slider 120 (and thus the X-tube 142b) in place. Because the X-tube 142b is movably connected to the X-tube 142a, corner 130, and slider 120 of the other leg support assembly 110a, and to the other X-frame assembly 140a in the frame 100a (via the other leg support assembly 110a), the constraint applied to the slider 120 and X-tube 142b by the latch mechanism 200h can maintain the frame 100a in the extended configuration.

[0155] 14B further illustrates that the latch mechanism 200h can include a collar 271 that is coupled to the latch 270 to provide an actuator for a caregiver to move when unlocking the latch mechanism 200h. In some implementations, the latch 270 can be directly coupled to the collar 271, for example, using a fastener inserted through an opening 276 on the collar and an opening (not shown) on the latch 270. The collar 271 can then be slidably coupled to the second end 143b of the X-tube 142b. For example, the collar 271 can include a recessed opening (not shown) that is shaped to receive the second end 143b with sufficient depth to allow the collar 271 (and thus the latch 270) to slide along the X-tube 142b. To compensate for the respective lengths of the latch 270 and collar 271, the X-tube 142b supporting the latch 270 and collar 271 may be shorter in length compared to other X-tubes 142b in other X-frame assemblies 140a.

[0156] The latch 270 may be rotatably coupled directly to the slider 120 via a pin 274 that is inserted through an opening on the slider 120 (previously used to couple to the X-tube 142b in the other X-frame assembly 140a) and an opening 275 formed along the latch 270. In some implementations, the opening 275 may be a slot that is shaped and / or dimensioned to allow the latch 270 to slidably move relative to the slider 120 and facilitate insertion of the latch 270 into the latch opening 273.

[0157] In some implementations, the latch 270 may instead be disposed within an internal cavity of the X-tube 142b such that the overall length of the X-tube 142b remains the same as the other X-tubes 142b in the other X-frame assemblies 140a. However, the second end 143b of the X-tube 142b may have an opening through which the latch 270 may pass when engaging and / or disengaging from a latch opening 273 on the foot tube 112. The collar 271 may be disposed on the outside of the X-tube 142b and may be configured to slide with the latch 270 along the length of the X-tube 142b. As before, the latch 270 may be coupled to the collar 271 via a fastener inserted through an opening 276 on the collar 271 and another opening (not shown) on the latch 270. The fastener can pass through the X-tube 142b through a slotted opening (not shown) that is shaped and / or sized similarly to the opening 275 above the latch 270.

[0158] The latch 270 and X-tube 142b may be rotatably coupled to the slider 120. For example, the pin 274 may pass through an opening on the slider 120, an opening 275 on the latch 270, and an opening 147 on the X-tube 142b. The latch 270 still has a slotted opening 275 to allow the latch 270 to slidably move relative to the slider 120 and to engage and / or disengage from the latch opening 273.

[0159] To unlock the latch mechanism 200h, the caregiver can move the collar 271 along the X-tube 142b, releasing the latch 270 from the latch opening 273, as shown in FIG. 14C. This causes the return spring 272 to be compressed, thus generating and / or increasing the spring bias force applied to the latch 270. While holding the collar 271, the slider 120 can then move downward along the leg tube 112, thus collapsing the X-frame assembly 140a. Once the latch 270 is no longer aligned with the latch opening 273, the caregiver can release the collar 271 and continue folding the frame 100a. The spring bias applied to the latch 270 can cause the latch 270 to press against the outer surface of the leg tube 112 (when the slider 120 is moved towards the foot 114) and / or against the surface of the slider 120 when the X-shaped tube 142b is rotated sufficiently, as shown in FIG 14D. In some implementations, the end of the latch 270 can be shaped (e.g., curved or contoured) to allow the X-shaped tube 142b to rotate smoothly when pressed against the leg tube 112 and / or slider 120 when the frame 100a is folded and / or extended.

[0160] 15A-15D show yet another exemplary latch mechanism 200i mounted on the frame 100a of the play yard 1000a. Specifically, the latch mechanism 200i can be mounted on one end of the X-tube 142b (or 142a) of one of the X-frame assemblies 140a and engage with the slider 120 of one of the leg support assemblies 110a. FIG. 15A again shows that the frame 100a can include only a single latch mechanism 200i for supporting the frame 100a in the extended configuration. The latch mechanism 200i can be shaped and / or dimensioned such that the latch mechanism 200i fits into the recessed opening of the extension section 126 (or 124) of the slider 120 along with the second end 143b of the X-tube 142b. In this manner, the latch mechanism 200i is capable of not protruding outwardly from the frame 100a even when the frame 100a is folded (see FIG. 15B), thereby preserving the compact shape of the folded frame 100a.

[0161] 15C shows that the latch mechanism 200i can include a latch base 280 that is coupled to the second end 143b of the X-tube 142b and rotatably coupled to the slider 120. In some implementations, a single fastener can couple the slider 120, the latch base 280, and the X-tube 142b together. As shown, the latch base 280 can include a latch member 284 extending from the latch base 280. The latch member 284 can be a mechanically flexible component that can be deformed and can have sufficient mechanical rigidity to generate a restoring force when deformed.

[0162] In some implementations, the latch base 280 may have a cylindrical shape and the latch member 284 may extend from the periphery of the latch base 280. The latch member 284 may have a curved and / or contoured shape, as shown in FIGS. 15C and 15D. The latch member 284 may include an integrally formed latch catch 281 that is shaped to engage a latch opening 283 formed on the bottom surface 127 of the slider 120. The latch member 284 may further include a tab 282 disposed at an end of the latch member 284 that may be pulled to bend the latch member 284, thus releasing the latch catch 281 from the latch opening 283.

[0163] 15D illustrates that the latch member 284 may be disposed between the sliders 120 from adjacent leg support assemblies 110a when the frame 100a is extended. When the frame 100a is extended, the latch body 280 along with the latch member 284 may rotate with the X-tube 142b about the pin joint 146c relative to the slider 120 as the slider 120 moves up along the leg tube 112 toward the corner portion 130. When the latch body 280 rotates, the latch member 284 (particularly the latch catch 281) may initially contact an outer portion of the slider 120, thus bending and / or deflecting the latch member 284. In some implementations, the latch catch 281 may include a lead-in feature to facilitate deflection of the latch member 284 when the frame 100a is extended.

[0164] When the slider 120 is positioned sufficiently close to the corner 130 and / or the X-tube 142b is rotated sufficiently such that the latch catch 281 aligns with the latch opening 283, a restoring force generated by the deflection of the latch member 284 can insert the latch catch 281 into the latch opening 283. The latch catch 281 and latch opening 283 can thus prevent further rotation of the X-tube 142b relative to the slider 120, which in turn prevents further movement of the slider 120 along the foot tubes 112 and retains the frame 100a in the extended configuration.

[0165] To unlock the latch mechanism 200i, the caregiver can pull the tab 282 with enough force to release the latch catch 281 from the latch opening 283. While holding the tab 282, the slider 120 can then be moved downward along the leg tube 112 toward the foot 114, which causes the X-tube 142b and the latch body 280 to rotate relative to the slider 120. Once the latch catch 281 is no longer aligned with the latch opening 283, the caregiver can release the tab 282 and proceed with folding the frame 100a.

[0166] As described above, the frame 100a can generally include at least one latch mechanism for maintaining the frame 100a (and thus the playard 1000a) in an extended configuration. In some implementations, the frame 100a can include a single latch mechanism (e.g., one of the latch mechanisms 200a-200i) for locking the extended frame 100a, which can simplify the frame 100a by reducing the number of parts for manufacturing. However, in other implementations, the frame 100a can include multiple latching mechanisms to ensure that various components of the frame 100a are maintained in a uniformly extended state. Thus, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the frame 100a can include a combination of one or more of the latch mechanisms 200a-200i described above.

[0167] Figures 16A and 16B show an example of a frame 100a that includes a latch mechanism 200g coupled to one X-frame assembly 140a and a latch mechanism 200h coupled to an X-tube of another X-frame assembly 140a and to a slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a. Figure 16A shows that the latch mechanisms 200g and 200i are used to maintain the frame 100a in an extended configuration. Figure 16B shows that the latch mechanisms 200g and 200i do not extend outwardly as far from the frame 100a when the frame 100a is in a folded configuration.

[0168] As described above, the foldable play yard can generally include a frame that outlines an interior space. The frame can include a number of leg support assemblies and X-shaped frame assemblies that together define and / or align with an outer boundary of the interior space. For example, the play yard 1000a includes a frame 100a that defines an interior space 102 having a horizontal cross-section shaped as a hexagon. It should be appreciated that various implementations of the foldable play yard described herein can define interior spaces having other geometric shapes based in part on the number of leg support assemblies and / or X-shaped frame assemblies used for construction.

[0169] For example, the play yard can outline an interior space having a square horizontal cross-section. The play yard frame can include four identical leg support assemblies, which can be connected together using four identical X-frame assemblies, where each X-frame assembly forms a single (or double) X-frame structure. As before, each X-frame assembly can link adjacent leg support assemblies together.

[0170] In another example, Figures 17A-17D show an exemplary play yard 1000b with a frame 100b outlining an interior space 102 having a horizontal cross-section shaped as a rectangle. The frame 100a can include a plurality of leg support assemblies 110b that define and / or align with respective side edges 104 of the interior space 102 when the frame 100b is extended to support the play yard 1000b above the ground 90 (see, for example, Figure 18A). The frame 100a can include a pair of X-shaped frame assemblies 140a that are disposed on the minor side 106 of the interior space 102 and connect together adjacent leg support assemblies 110b that are positioned on the shorter sides of the rectangular horizontal cross-section of the interior space 102. The frame 100 may further include a pair of X-frame assemblies 140b disposed on the larger side 106 of the interior space 102 and connecting together adjacent leg support assemblies 110b located on the longer sides of the rectangular horizontal cross-section of the interior space 102. Thus, each leg support assembly 110b may connect one X-frame assembly 140a and one X-frame assembly 140b.

[0171] To form the rectangular shaped interior space 102, each X-frame assembly 140a may form a single X-frame structure as described above, and each X-frame assembly 140b may form a double X-frame structure (i.e., two pairs of intersecting X-tubes, where each pair of X-tubes is connected to one leg support assembly). The combination of the single and double X-frame structures allows the frame 100b to define an interior space 102, where the horizontal cross-sectional sides have different dimensions, while allowing the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b to be connected to the same components of the leg support assembly 110b (e.g., the same slider 120 and corner portion 130), such that the leg support assembly 110b, the X-frame assembly 140a, and the X-frame assembly 140b can be folded and / or extended together (see FIG. 17C). Moreover, the double X-frame structure of the X-frame assembly 140b can also allow the leg support assembly 110b (and, in particular, the length of the leg tube 112) to be shorter compared to a single X-frame structure that spans the same length as the X-frame assembly 140b when deployed. Frame 100b is therefore able to be more compact, especially when folded.

[0172] Similar to frame 100a, frame 100b can be extended with feet 114 of leg support assemblies 110b remaining in contact with ground 90. Additionally, leg tubes 112 can remain vertically upright or near vertically upright while frame 100b is folded and / or extended (e.g., leg tubes 112 can be purposely tilted as frame 100b is extended to improve stability), making the process of setting up and / or taking down playard 1000b easier for caregivers (see FIG. 17D).

[0173] Additionally, X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b in frame 100b can be disposed within the upper portion 108 of frame 100a to form an upper perimeter structure along interior space 102 (see FIG. 18A). As before, this can allow the X-tubes of each of X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b to function as upper rails, providing mechanical stability and rigidity to frame 100b. In some implementations, frame 100b may not include separate flexible or rigid top rails and / or bottom support structures.

[0174] In some implementations, the frame 100b with only the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b connecting the leg support assemblies 110b together can provide sufficient mechanical rigidity, stability, and / or strength to meet various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19). For example, FIG. 22 shows the play yard 1000b undergoing stability testing. Similar to the play yard 1000a, the play yard 1000b was demonstrated to remain sufficiently stable (i.e., at least three feet 114 remained in contact with the underlying platform) when the play yard 1000b was tilted 10 degrees or more.

[0175] 17A and 17B further illustrate that the play yard 1000b can include soft goods 300 that are coupled to the frame 100b and form a partially enclosed space 301 disposed within the interior space 102 for accommodating the child 50. As before, the soft goods 300 can be easily folded with the frame 100b, as shown in FIG. 17C. The soft goods 300 can include a floor portion 304 and a side portion 306, where the floor portion 304 rests on the ground 90 that supports the play yard 1000b, and the side portion 306 together define and enclose the partially enclosed space 301. The floor portion 304 can include a removable mat to provide padding above the ground 90. The side portion 306 can be formed from a transparent and / or see-through material to allow a caregiver to monitor their child 50 when the child 50 is placed into the partially enclosed space 301. The soft goods 300 may include tethers and / or straps for attaching the floor portion 304 to a bottom portion of the leg support assembly 110b.

[0176] The soft goods 300 may further include an upper portion 302 formed from an opaque textile material for attaching the soft goods 300 to the upper portion of the leg support assembly 110b and for covering the upper portion of the frame 100b. In particular, the soft goods 300 in the playard 1000b may completely cover one or more of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b, the corners 130 of the leg support assembly 110b, and / or the sliders 120 of the leg support assembly 110b. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 may completely cover the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b, and the sliders 120 and corners 130 of the leg support assembly 110b, leaving only the leg tubes 112 and / or the feet 114 visible, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. As before, positioning the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b in the upper portion 108 of the frame 100b when the frame 100b is extended can also increase visibility of the child 50 due to a larger visually unobstructed portion of the side 106.

[0177] As described above, conventional play yards (and especially indoor play yards) typically must compromise between ease of use, child visibility, and / or the appearance of the play yard (see, for example, play yard 10c). In comparison, the play yard 1000b can simultaneously improve ease of use, child visibility, and overall appearance. First, the play yard 1000b includes X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b that allow the frame 100b to be folded and / or extended in one step. For example, a caregiver can move one slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110b to fold and / or extend the frame 100b. Second, the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b are positioned within the top portion 108 of the frame 100b when the playard 1000b is unfolded, which allows for greater visibility of a child in the partially enclosed space 301 through the sides of the frame 100b. Third, aesthetically undesirable components (e.g., X-tubes, sliders 120, corners 130, etc.) can be easily hidden by the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300, providing a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0178] 18A illustrates the frame 100b in an extended configuration with no soft goods 300 attached. As shown, each leg support assembly 110b can be similar to the leg support assembly 110a used in the frame 100a. For example, the leg support assembly 110b includes a leg tube 112 having a top end 113a and a bottom end 113b, a corner portion 130 coupled to the top end 113a, a foot portion 114 coupled to the bottom end 113b, and a slider 120, which is slidably coupled to the leg tube 112 and disposed between the foot portion 114 and the corner portion 130. The upper ends 113a and / or corner portions 130 of the leg tubes 112 may be aligned with the upper apex 105 of the interior space 102 and may generally define the upper horizontal plane 92 of the frame, and thus the height H of the frame between the ground surface 90 and the upper horizontal plane 92. 1 The bottom end 113b and / or foot 114 of the leg tube 112 may be aligned with the bottom apex 107 of the interior space 102.

[0179] FIG. 18B further illustrates that the leg tube 112 can have a circular cross-sectional shape. Also, the leg tube 112 can remain vertical or nearly vertical for both the folded and extended configurations. Thus, the interior space 102 can be shaped as a right-angled prism with a rectangular base. The slider 120 can again include a base 121 that defines a through-hole opening 122 that surrounds the leg tube 112. The slider 120 can include extensions 124 and 126 that are disposed on opposite sides of the base 121 and connect the X-tubes (e.g., X-tubes 142a and 142d in FIG. 18B) of each of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b to the slider 120. Corner portion 130 may include a base 131 with a recessed opening (not shown) for receiving upper ends 113a of leg tubes 112. Corner portion 130 may further include a snap fit connector 139 that is coupled to base 131 in place of tabs 138 extending from base 131 as in leg support assembly 110a. Again, corner portion 130 may include extensions 134 and 136 disposed on opposite sides of base 131 and coupling respective X-tubes of X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b (e.g., X-tubes 142b and 142c in FIG. 18D) to corner portion 130.

[0180] FIG 19A shows the frame 100b in a folded configuration. FIG 19B shows that when the frame 100b is folded, the slider 120 can be disposed adjacent to the foot 114. As described above and shown in FIG 18B and FIG 19B, the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b can be connected to the same corner 130 and slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110b. Moreover, the pin joints connecting the X-tubes of each of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b to the slider 120 or corner 130 can be positioned along the same horizontal plane. Thus, each end of the X-tubes of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b that connect to the leg support assembly 110b can travel the same distance along the leg tube 112 to collapse and / or extend both of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b. This allows the slider 120 and corner section 130 to be thinner in size and reduces the overall length L of the leg tube 112 such that the leg tube 112 provides enough overlap to connect the foot section 114 and corner section 130 to the leg tube 112, and only enough clearance for the slider 120 to travel a sufficient distance to collapse and / or extend the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b. As shown in Figures 18B and 19B, the slider 120 may be disposed adjacent the corner portion 130 when the frame 100b is in the extended configuration, and adjacent the foot portion 114 when the frame 100b is in the folded configuration. Figure 19A also shows that in the folded configuration, the frame has a height between the ground surface 90 and an upper horizontal plane 92A defined by the frame. As discussed above in connection with Figures 2B and 2E, the height of the frame 100b may remain substantially constant or may remain constant between the folded and extended configurations of the frame. In other words, the height H 1and H 2 can be equal or substantially similar, and planes 92 and 92A are coplanar or substantially coplanar. However, in some implementations, the height of frame 100b can vary (e.g., height H 2 is the height H 1 9, and plane 92A in the folded configuration may be disposed somewhat above plane 92 in the extended configuration).

[0181] 20A-20E show several views of the frame 100b in a partially extended / folded state. In particular, FIG. 20B again shows that the X-shaped frame assembly 140a can include X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b that are rotatably coupled to one another via pin joints (e.g., roll rivet joints). As shown, the X-shaped tube 142a can be rotatably coupled to the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110b via pin joint 146a and to the slider 120 of another leg support assembly 110a via pin joint 146b. Similarly, the X-tube 142b may be rotatably connected to the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110b via pin joint 146c and to the corner 130 of the other leg support assembly 110a via pin joint 146d. Thus, the X-frame assembly 140a may operate in a similar or identical manner as the X-frame assembly 140a in the frame 100a.

[0182] 20C illustrates that X-frame assembly 140b can include two pairs of X-tubes (i.e., X-tubes 142c and 142d, and X-tubes 142e and 142f). X-tubes 142c and 142d can be rotatably coupled to each other via a pin joint 145, similar to X-tubes 142a and 142b in X-frame assembly 140a. Similarly, X-tubes 142e and 142f can be rotatably coupled to each other via another pin joint 145. Each pair of X-tubes 142c and 142d (or 142e and 142f) can be coupled to one leg support assembly 110b and to the other remaining pair of X-tubes. As shown, X-tube 142c may be rotatably connected to the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a via pin joint 146e and to X-tube 142e via pin joint 146f. X-tube 142d may be rotatably connected to the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a via pin joint 146g and to X-tube 142e via pin joint 146h. X-tube 142e may be further rotatably connected to the corner 130 of another leg support assembly 110b via pin joint 146i. X-tube 142f may be further rotatably connected to the slider 120 of the other leg support assembly 110b via pin joint 146j.

[0183] In some implementations, the shapes and / or dimensions of the X-tubes 142c-142f can be substantially identical or the same as one another. The shapes and / or dimensions of the X-tubes 142a and 142b of the X-frame assembly 140a can be different from the X-tubes 142c-142f of the X-frame assembly 140b, depending in part on the desired dimensions of the rectangular-shaped interior space 102. However, in some implementations, the shapes and / or dimensions of the X-tubes 142c-142f can be substantially identical or the same as the X-tubes 142a and 142b of the X-frame assembly 140a.

[0184] 20C further illustrates that a pair of pin joints 145 may be offset from the center points of each of the X-shaped tubes 142c-142f. In particular, the pin joint 145 connecting the X-shaped tubes 142c and 142d together may be positioned closer to the pin joints 146h and 146f than to the pin joints 146e and 146g. Similarly, the pin joint 145 connecting the X-shaped tubes 142e and 142f together may be positioned closer to the pin joints 146h and 146f than to the pin joints 146i and 146j. The positions of the pin joints 145 along the X-shaped tubes 142c-142f may be adjusted to ensure that the ends of the X-shaped tubes 142c-142f align with the ends of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b when they are connected to the same corner 130 or slider 120.

[0185] For example, FIG. 20D shows that the pin joint 146d connecting the X-tube 142b to the corner 130 and the pin joint 146e connecting the X-tube 142c to the same corner 130 lie on the same horizontal plane 150a. FIG. 20E shows that the pin joint 146b connecting the X-tube 142a to the slider 120 and the pin joint 146g connecting the X-tube 142d to the same slider 120 can also lie on the same horizontal plane 150b. As explained above, aligning the pin joints in this manner can allow for thinner slider 120 and corner 130, which can reduce the overall length of the leg tube 112. However, it should be appreciated that in some implementations, the pin joints need not be aligned on the same horizontal plane. For example, FIG. 20E illustrates that extension portion 126 and pin joint 146g of slider 120 can be vertically raised above extension portion 124 and pin joint 146b (ie, see extension portion 126-1 and pin joint 146g-1).

[0186] 21A and 21B show that soft goods 300 can be attached to frame 100b in a similar manner to frame 100a. Specifically, FIG. 21A shows that soft goods 300 can include a snap-fit ​​connector 312 disposed on an interior portion of top portion 302 and connecting with a snap-fit ​​connector 139 on corner portion 130. FIG. 21B shows that foot 114 of each leg support assembly 110b can include a D-ring 116 providing an opening for tying tether 320 of soft goods 300 to a bottom portion of leg support assembly 110b. As shown, tether 320 can be closed via snap-fit ​​connector 322 that connects to another snap-fit ​​connector (not shown) disposed at the base of strap 320.

[0187] In yet another example, FIGS. 23A-23E also show a play yard 1000c with a frame 100c outlining an interior space 102 having a horizontal cross section shaped as a rectangle. However, the frame 100c can include a curved leg support assembly 110c, resulting in an interior space 102 having a convex shape. In other words, the leg support assembly 110c curves outward from the interior space 102 such that the size of the horizontal cross section is larger at the midpoint of the leg support assembly 110c than at the top or bottom portions of the leg support assembly 110c. In some implementations, the convex shaped interior space 102 can provide a child 50 with a larger volume to play and / or sleep in, as compared to an interior space with a straight leg support assembly and the same footprint. Additionally, the convex shaped interior space 102 can provide a more aesthetically pleasing design.

[0188] As shown in FIG. 23A, the play yard 1000c may also include soft goods 300 that define a partially enclosed space 301 that is disposed within the interior space 102 of the frame 100c for the child 50 to play and / or sleep in. Similar to the play yard 1000b, the soft goods 300 in the play yard 1000c may include a floor portion 304 and a side portion 306 that define and surround the partially enclosed space 301, and a top portion 302 that covers the top portion 108 of the frame 100c. The soft goods 300 may include a removable mat that is placed on the floor portion 304 and provides padding on the ground 90 that supports the play yard 1000c. Also, the side portion 306 may be formed from a transparent or see-through material. As before, the soft goods 300 may further include a removable mat that is placed over the floor portion 304 to provide padding.

[0189] As shown in Figures 23D and 23E, the frame 100c can include a plurality of leg support assemblies 110c, each of which includes at least a leg tube 112, a slider 120, and a corner portion 130. Compared to the leg support assemblies 110a and 110b, the leg tube 112 can be curved along an axis 111b, such that the slider 120 moves along a curved path when the frame 100c is folded and / or extended. The leg support assemblies 110c can define and / or be aligned with respective side edges 104 of the interior space 102 (see Figure 24).

[0190] The leg support assembly 110c can further include either a foot 114 for supporting the play yard 1000c above the ground 90 or a wheel assembly 151 for more easily moving and / or reorienting the play yard 1000c after it is extended. For example, FIG. 23D shows that the leg support assemblies 110c at one end of the interior space 102 can both include wheel assemblies 151. Thus, a caregiver can pick up the play yard 1000c from the opposite end and pull the play yard 1000c with the wheel assemblies 151 rolling along the ground 90 to reposition the play yard 1000c as desired. In a similar manner as shown in FIG. 18A, FIG. 23E shows that the frame 100c is positioned at a height H between the ground surface 90 and the upper horizontal plane 92. 1 This shows that the .

[0191] FIG. 25A illustrates an exploded view of the leg support assembly 110c with the wheel assembly 151. As shown, the leg tube 112 may again have a first end 113a and a second end 113b. The corner portion 130 may be coupled to the top end 113a of the leg tube 112. The wheel assembly 151 may include a base 152 that couples to the bottom end 113b of the leg tube 112. The wheel assembly 151 may further include a wheel 153, which is rotatably coupled to the base 152 via a wheel cover 154. Thus, the slider 120 may be slidably coupled to the leg tube 112 such that the slider 120 is positioned between the base 152 and the corner portion 130 of the wheel assembly 151. FIG. 25A also shows that the frame 100c can include a latch mechanism 200j that directly connects the slider 120 to the corner portion 130, which will be described in more detail below.

[0192] 25B shows an exploded view of leg support assembly 110c with foot 114. As shown, leg tube 112, slider 120, corner 130, and foot 114 can be assembled in a manner similar to leg support assemblies 110a and 110b as described above.

[0193] The frame 100c may further include an X-frame assembly 140a, which is disposed on the smaller curved side 106 of the interior space 102 and connects adjacent leg support assemblies 110c along the shorter side of the rectangular cross section of the interior space 102 (see FIG. 24). The frame 100c may also include an X-frame assembly 140b, which is disposed on the larger curved side 106 of the interior space 102 and connects adjacent leg support assemblies 110c along the longer side of the rectangular cross section of the interior space 102 (see FIG. 24). As before, the X-frame assembly 140a may form a single X-frame structure with one pair of X-tubes, and the X-frame assembly 140b may form a double X-frame structure with two pairs of X-tubes.

[0194] The shape and / or dimensions of each X-tube in X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b and / or the locations of the pin joints rotatably connecting each X-tube to another X-tube, slider 120, and / or corner 130 may be adjusted based in part on the desired dimensions of the interior space 102 similar to frame 100b. Additionally, in some implementations, the X-tubes of X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b may be positioned such that the pin joints connecting the X-tubes to the same slider 120 or corner 130 of leg support assembly 110c are aligned along the same horizontal plane.

[0195] The X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b may again be disposed within the top portion 108 and / or interior space 102 of the frame 100c. This allows the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b to function as a top rail and mechanically reinforce the frame 100c while eliminating other support structures (e.g., separate top rails and / or bottom support structures, etc.). The placement of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b may also provide a larger window for the caregiver to view their child 50 through the sides of the frame 100c.

[0196] In some implementations, the soft goods 300 in the play yard 1000c may be partially split into separate components to better fit the geometry of the interior space 102. For example, the side portion 306 and the floor portion 304 may be installed separately from the top portion 302. To better fit the shape of the interior space 102, the side portion 306 may be mounted along the interior sides of the leg tubes 112, reducing or in some cases preventing the formation of a gap between the side portion 306 and the leg support assembly 110c when the play yard 1000c is extended (see, for example, FIG. 26A). Stated another way, the side portions 306 of the soft goods 300 can be attached to the leg support assemblies 110c to provide a seamless appearance, with the leg tubes 112, feet 114, and / or wheel assemblies 151 exposed along an exterior portion of the playard 1000c, as shown in Figures 23A-23C. Once the side portions 306 and floor portion 304 of the soft goods 300 are installed, the top portion 302 can then be attached to the side portions 306, for example, using a zipper connection (not shown), and thereafter coupled to the frame 100c to complete the assembly.

[0197] This may be accomplished in part by incorporating stiffeners 330 into the side portions 306 of the soft goods 300, which may then be routed through channels 171 formed along the leg tube 112. The stiffeners 330 may be flexible components (e.g., extruded plastic rods, etc.) inserted through pockets formed along each corner of the side portions 306 that are positioned near the side edges 104 of the interior space 102. FIG. 26B shows that the leg tube 112 may have an oval cross-sectional shape with curved sides 172 that form a recess along the interior side of the leg tube 112 that faces the interior space 102. The channels 171 may be formed on the curved sides 172 and may extend a portion of the leg tube 112 (or, in some cases, the entire length of the leg tube 112). As shown in FIG. 26B, stiffeners 330 can be inserted through channels 171 thus holding the side portions 306 of the soft goods 300 against the leg tubes 112 .

[0198] The slider 120 in the leg support assembly 110c may still be permitted to move along the leg tube 112 even with the side portion 306 of the soft goods 300 mounted on the leg tube 112. For example, FIG. 26B shows that the slider 120 may include a base 121 that defines a through-hole opening 122 that only partially surrounds the leg tube 112 and guides the movement of the slider 120 along the leg tube 112. As shown, a slot-like opening 128 may be formed along an interior side of the base 121 to allow the side portion 306 attached to the leg tube 112 to pass through the base 121 of the slider 120. In this manner, the slider 120 may move along the leg tube 112 without being impeded by the side portion 306 when the playard 1000c is folded and / or extended.

[0199] FIG. 26B again further illustrates that slider 120 can include extension portions 124 and 126 that are disposed on opposite sides of base 121 and connect to respective X-tubes (e.g., X-tubes 142f and 142b) of X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b.

[0200] FIG. 27A again illustrates that the corner portion 130 can include a base 131 with extensions 134 and 136 disposed on opposite sides of the base 131 and connecting to respective X-tubes (e.g., X-tubes 142e and 142a) of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b. The corner portion 130 can further include a tab 138 that extends downwardly along the leg tube 112 and outwardly from the frame 100c to form an overhang portion. As shown in FIG. 27A, the slider 120 can be positioned below the overhang portion formed by the tab 138 and thus disposed between the leg tube 112 and the tab 138 of the corner portion 130 when the frame 100c is extended.

[0201] The corner 130 may thus be shaped to provide a hook structure for the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 to wrap around, thus ensuring that the corner 130 and the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b are covered. In some implementations, the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 may further include a pocket 331 to assist the caregiver in wrapping the soft goods 300 around the corner 130. Additionally, the soft goods 300 may primarily only contact the exterior surface of the corner 130, which may allow the corner of the play yard 1000c to have a softer and more gentle appearance. For example, the base 131 and the tab 138 of the corner 130 may have a smooth rounded shape for the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 to wrap around. The top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 can include a snap-fit ​​connector 312 disposed along an interior portion of the top portion 302 that connects to a corresponding snap-fit ​​connector 139 on the corner portion 130, as shown in Figures 27B and 27C.

[0202] In some implementations, the slider 120 can also include a rounded bottom section 170 that is positioned under the overhanging portion of the tab 138 when the frame 100c is extended. As shown in Figures 26B and 27A, the rounded bottom section 170 extends further outward from the frame 100c than the tab 138 of the corner portion 130 and can provide a lead-off feature to reduce, or in some cases prevent, a string or another tethered object from getting tangled with the overhanging portion of the corner portion 130.

[0203] As described above, the frame 100c can include a latch mechanism 200j for locking the frame 100c in an extended configuration by engaging the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110c with a corresponding corner 130. In general, the frame 100c can include one or more of the latch mechanisms 200j. For example, FIG. 28A shows that the play yard 1000c can include a single latch mechanism 200j coupled to one leg support assembly 110c. However, in other implementations, the play yard 1000c can include another latch mechanism 200j coupled to another leg support assembly 110c on an opposite corner of the play yard 1000c to ensure that the frame 100c is extended evenly.

[0204] FIG. 28B shows that the latch mechanism 200j can include a latch member 210 having a mounting base 224 at one end that is rigidly connected to the slider 120 and a latch opening 214 disposed at an opposite end (see FIG. 28C) for receiving a latch catch 291 disposed on the corner portion 130. The latch member 210 can be a mechanically flexible component having sufficient mechanical rigidity such that a restoring force is generated when the latch member 210 is bent and / or deflected. The latch member 210 can further include a tab 220 that can be pulled to bend the latch member 210 outwardly from the frame 100c to release the latch member 210 from the latch catch 291. Additionally, the latch member 210 may include a lead-in portion 222 to facilitate engagement of the latch member 210 with the latch catch 291 when the play yard 1000c is extended.

[0205] FIG. 28B further illustrates that the latch mechanism 200j can be locked and / or unlocked by the soft goods 300 (and, among other things, the top portion 302 covering the top portion 108 of the frame 100c). As shown, the latch catch 291 can protrude through an opening formed on the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300. The latch member 210 can be disposed on the top portion 302 when engaged with the latch catch 291. Thus, the latch member 210 can remain exposed. Moreover, the internal restoring force generated by the latch member 210 can also cause at least a portion of the latch member 210 (e.g., the tab 220, the lead-in feature 222) to be pressed onto the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300, thus further restraining the soft goods 300 against the corner portion 130. In other words, the latch member 210 can function as an integral escutcheon when engaged with the latch catch 291.

[0206] Similar to the play yards 1000a and 1000b, the frame 100c of the play yard 1000c may include only the leg support assembly 110c and the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b. In some implementations, the frame 100c may exhibit sufficient mechanical rigidity, stability, and strength to meet various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19). For example, FIGS. 29A-29D show the play yard 1000c undergoing a Top Rail To Corner Post Attachment test as defined under ASTM F406-19, 7.11, and 8.30. As shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, a torque is applied to one of the X-frame assemblies 140b by clamping a 24-inch long rod to the X-tube of the X-frame assemblies 140b and by hanging a 15-20 pound weight over the end of the rod. 29C and 29D show that after application of a torque load for at least 10 seconds, the X-tubes of the X-frame assembly 140b were deformed, but the sliders 120 and corners 130 connected to the X-tubes did not crack and / or otherwise break, thus meeting the requirements under ASTM F406-19, 7.11.

[0207] Figures 30A-30C show the play yard 1000c undergoing another test to evaluate the mechanical strength and robustness of the X-frame assembly 140b under ASTM F406-19, 7.3.3 and 8.11.2.4. As shown in Figure 30A, a force of 100 pounds was applied to the center of the X-frame assembly 140b at a 45 degree angle to the floor for at least 15 seconds. Figures 30B and 30C show that the X-tubes of the X-frame assembly 140b were deformed and that the roll rivet joints connecting the X-tubes together were bent. However, the X-tubes, roll rivet joints, and the corners and sliders of the leg support assemblies did not crack and / or otherwise break, thus meeting the requirements under ASTM F406-19, 7.3.3.

[0208] 31 further illustrates the play yard 1000c undergoing stability testing, in which the play yard 1000c was placed on top of a play foam and a load was applied to one side of the play yard 1000c from within the partially enclosed space 301. Similar to the play yard 1000a and 1000b, it was found that when the play yard 1000c was rotated 10 degrees or more, at least three of the feet 114 and / or wheels 151 of the play yard 1000c maintained contact with the underlying platform and therefore met the requirements under ASTM F406-19 for stability.

[0209] In some implementations, the foldable play yard can provide a platform for supporting various accessories (also referred to herein as "toppers") to enhance the functionality of the play yard when unfolded. For example, FIG. 23D shows that the frame 100c of the play yard 1000c can include one or more topper supports 161, which are disposed on each of the X-shaped tubes of the X-shaped frame assembly 140b. The combination of the topper support 161 and the corner portion 130 of the leg support assembly 110c can support one or more toppers 160 that are placed on the top portion 108 of the frame 100c when the play yard 1000c is in an extended configuration. The toppers 160 can be various accessories, including, but not limited to, a changing table, a bassinet, and a bouncer.

[0210] In another example, Figures 32A-32F show the frame 100a in an extended configuration with a canopy cover assembly 400a. The canopy cover assembly 400a is coupled to the frame 100a and can support a canopy cover 440 (see, for example, Figure 32E) that is partially disposed above and covers the interior space 102 of the frame 100a. The canopy cover 440 can be, for example, a soft and / or flexible component formed from a textile material. For example, the play yard 1000a can be deployed in an outdoor environment, such that the canopy cover 440 can provide shade for the child 50 when installed in the partially enclosed space 301 of the play yard 1000a.

[0211] 32A-32C, the canopy cover assembly 400a can include multiple canopy support assemblies 410 that couple to respective leg support assemblies 110a of the frame 100a. Thus, the canopy cover assembly 400a can completely cover the interior space 102 (i.e., the canopy cover assembly 400a is a full canopy cover). In some implementations, the canopy support assemblies 410 can be substantially identical or identical to the other canopy support assemblies 410.

[0212] Each canopy support assembly 410 can include a canopy bow 412 disposed partially above the interior space 102 to support the canopy cover 440, and a canopy clip 420a for connecting the canopy bow 412 to the frame 100a. With respect to the canopy cover assembly 400a, the canopy bows 412 from each canopy support assembly 410 can be connected together via a hub 450a disposed above the interior space 102, as shown in FIG. 32A. In some implementations, the hub 450a is approximately aligned or can be aligned with the center of the interior space 102 when the canopy cover assembly 400a is attached to the frame 100a, as shown in FIG. 32C. FIG. 32B further illustrates that each canopy bow 412 of the canopy support assembly 410 can form a frame or support structure, where each canopy bow 412 is partially bent to define a desired shape of the canopy cover 440 when the canopy cover 440 is installed on the canopy support assembly 410.

[0213] FIG. 32D shows that the canopy clip 420a can be disposed along an exterior portion of the frame 100a (i.e., outside the interior space 102 of the frame 100a) adjacent the slider 120 and the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a when the canopy clip 420a is connected to the leg support assembly 110a. FIG. 32E and FIG. 32F show that the canopy clip 420a can include a base 422 with a snap-fit ​​feature 424 that forms a snap-fit ​​connector for directly connecting the canopy clip 420a to the leg tube 112 of one of the leg support assemblies 110a. Thus, the canopy cover assembly 400a can be attached to the frame 100a without the use of any tools. Moreover, the canopy cover assembly 400a can be coupled to the frame 100a without making any changes or modifications to the frame 100a. In this manner, the canopy cover assembly 400a may not be limited for installation only with the frame 100a, and instead, the canopy cover assembly 400a may be mounted onto other play yard frames (e.g., other frames with six leg support assemblies). In other words, the canopy cover assembly 400a can be a universally compatible accessory that caregivers can purchase separately and / or install onto their play yard.

[0214] The snap-fit ​​feature 424 can generally be shaped to match the cross-sectional shape of the leg tube 112 to ensure that the canopy clip 420a is securely coupled to the leg tube 112. For example, FIG. 33A shows that the snap-fit ​​feature 424 can form an oval-shaped channel that matches the oval-shaped cross-section of the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the asymmetric cross-section (e.g., oval-shaped cross-section) of the leg tube 112 can ensure that the canopy clip 420a only couples to leg tubes 112 having a desired orientation and / or prevents undesired rotation of the canopy clip 420a when coupled to the leg tube 112. In this manner, the canopy bow 4112 can be repeatably and / or reliably positioned and / or oriented relative to the frame 100a to provide a desired coverage and / or aesthetic appearance when the canopy cover 440 is installed on the canopy support assembly 410. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the shape of the snap-fit ​​feature 424 may be adjusted to match the shape of the most commonly used leg tubes in various play yard products (e.g., circular shaped leg tubes). The snap-fit ​​feature 424 may further include a lead-in feature 425 to align the canopy clip 420a with the leg tube 112 and / or bias the snap-fit ​​feature 424 outwardly to facilitate engagement with the leg tube 112.

[0215] In some implementations, the caregiver can thus align and press the canopy clip 420a along the arrows shown in FIG. 33A to engage the snap-fit ​​feature 424 with the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the caregiver can instead hook one of the snap-fit ​​features 424 (e.g., via the corresponding lead-in feature 425) over the leg tube 112 and then rotate the opposing side of the canopy clip 420a so that the other snap-fit ​​feature 424 (e.g., via the corresponding lead-in feature 425) engages the leg tube 112, as shown in FIG. 33B. Compared to conventional canopy cover assemblies, the canopy cover assembly 400a can be more securely and reliably connected to the frame 100a by directly connecting the canopy clip 420a to the leg tube 112 instead of the portion of the frame that is covered by the soft goods. Thus, the canopy cover assembly 400a, when installed into the partially enclosed space 301, may be less susceptible to accidental removal by wind or a child 50, for example.

[0216] 32E and 32F further illustrate that the canopy clip 420a can include a canopy bow opening 426 (e.g., also referred to herein as a "canopy bow socket 426") that is partially formed on the base 422 for receiving the first end 413a of the canopy bow 412. Once the first end 413a of the canopy bow 412 is inserted into the canopy bow opening 426, a fastener can be inserted through an opening 432 disposed on a side of the base 422 to securely couple the canopy bow 412 to the canopy clip 420a. In some implementations, the canopy clip 420a can alternatively utilize integral snap fingers for coupling the canopy bow 412 to the canopy clip 420a via a snap fit connection.

[0217] In some implementations, a portion of the canopy bow 412 may be disposed outside the interior space 102 of the frame 100a when coupled to the canopy clip 420a and positioned adjacent to the top portion 108 of the frame 100a. For example, FIG. 32D illustrates that a portion of the canopy bow 412 may be positioned next to the corner portion 130 in substantial parallel alignment or parallel alignment with the leg tubes 112. By positioning the canopy bow 412 to overlap the top portion 108 of the frame 100a, the canopy bow 412 is less likely to be pulled by the child 50 into the partially enclosed space 301 of the play yard 1000a compared to a conventional play yard with a canopy cover assembly. For example, the canopy bow 412 may be more difficult to reach because the child 50 must extend his or her arm over the corner portion 130 of the frame 100a to grab the canopy bow 412. Additionally, even if the child 50 somehow manages to grab onto the canopy bow 412, the child 50 has less leverage to pull the canopy cover assembly 400a into the playard 1000a due to the canopy bow 412 overlapping the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a and the canopy clip 420a being positioned on the outer portion of the frame 100a.

[0218] The canopy clip 420a can further include an alignment rib 430 that protrudes outward from the base 422 toward the frame 100a. The alignment rib 430 can be used in part as an alignment feature to position the canopy clip 420a on the leg support assembly 110a. For example, FIGS. 32D-32F show that the alignment rib 430 can be disposed between the top surface of the slider 120 and the bottom surface of the corner portion 130 such that the snap fit feature 424 is disposed directly below the slider 120 when the canopy clip 420a is coupled to the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the alignment rib 430 can also prevent the canopy clip 420a from sliding downward along the leg tube 112. For example, FIG. 32E shows that when the canopy clip 420 a moves down along the leg tube 112 , the alignment ribs 430 can contact the upper surface of the slider 120 .

[0219] In some implementations, the canopy cover 440 may be laid directly over and on the canopy support assembly 410. The canopy cover 440 may include one or more tethers 442 for pulling and / or holding the canopy cover 440 taut along the canopy bow 412 of the canopy support assembly 410. For example, FIG. 32E shows that each tether 442 may be looped around a hook 428 disposed at the bottom of the base 422 of the canopy clip 420a.

[0220] The canopy bow 412, canopy clip 420a, and / or hub 450a may be formed from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, plastic and fiberglass. In some implementations, the canopy bow 412 may be formed as a single mechanically flexible component that may be bent into a desired shape to connect the canopy bow 412 to the hub 450a and / or canopy clip 420a. In some implementations, the canopy bow 412 may be an assembly of components (e.g., tubes) that are connected together via one or more shock cords or bungee cords. The tubes may be fitted together to form an assembly of tubes that mechanically functions as a single continuous rod. For example, FIG. 32E illustrates that the canopy bow 412 may include an elastic cord 414 that passes through the canopy bow 412 and holds the various sections of the canopy bow 412 together. As shown, the elastic cord 414 may be terminated with a knot that may be accessed by a caregiver through an opening 434 on the base 422 of the canopy clip 420a.

[0221] As described above, the canopy cover assembly 400a can include a hub 450a that connects the second ends 413b of each canopy bow 412 together to form a structure that covers the interior space 102 of the frame 100a. In some implementations, the canopy bow 412 can be connected to the hub 450a prior to purchase by a consumer (e.g., the canopy cover assembly 400a can be assembled at a factory) or by a caregiver when installing the canopy cover assembly 400a on the play yard 1000a for the first time. In other words, the canopy bow 412 can remain connected to the hub 450a for subsequent installation of the canopy cover assembly 400a, such that the caregiver only needs to connect each canopy clip 420a to a corresponding leg tube 112 for setup.

[0222] In some implementations, the canopy bow 412 may be rigidly coupled to the hub 450a (i.e., the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412 cannot translate and / or rotate relative to the hub 450a). Thus, the canopy bow 412 of the canopy support assembly 410 may be bent to facilitate attachment of the respective canopy clips 420a to the frame 100a. In some implementations, the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412 may be rotatably coupled to the hub 450a such that the canopy support assembly 410 may be folded into a more compact structure for storage while remaining coupled to the hub 450a. For example, FIGS. 34A and 34B show that the hub 450a may include a base 451 with a plurality of openings 452 for receiving the second ends 413b of the respective canopy bows 412. The openings 452 may be aligned in part according to the relative locations of the leg support assemblies 110a of the frame 100a in the extended configuration. For example, the hub 450a may have six openings 452 evenly distributed around the periphery of the base 451 and aligned with the six leg support assemblies 110a, which may be arranged to form a hexagonal shaped interior space 102.

[0223] When the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412 is inserted into the opening 452, a pin 454 coupled to the second end 413b may be retained in a corresponding slot 453 formed in the base 451, for example, via a snap-fit ​​connector. This allows the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412 to rotate relative to the base 451 via rotation of the pin 454 in the slot 453 about a rotation axis 460, as shown in FIG. 34B. In some implementations, the pin 454 may be integrally formed into the canopy bow 412. In some implementations, the pin 454 can be a separate component that is inserted through an opening along the side of the canopy bow 412 near the second end 413b.

[0224] The base 451 may further include a lip 457 for constraining the range of rotational movement of the canopy bow 412 relative to the hub 450a. For example, FIG. 34B shows that the lip 457 may be disposed along the bottom side of the base 451, which causes the canopy bow 412 to bend when the canopy clip 420a attached to the first end 413a of the canopy bow 412 is positioned below the hub 450a. However, the canopy support assembly 410 may be permitted to rotate such that the second end 413b of each canopy bow 412 is inserted through the opening 452 from the top side of the base 451 (i.e., the canopy clip 420a is positioned above the hub 450a). In this manner, the canopy cover assembly 400a may be folded for storage and / or transportation separately or together with the play yard 1000a.

[0225] 35A and 35B show a play yard 1000a with a frame 100a and soft goods 300, and another exemplary canopy cover assembly 400b with a canopy cover 440 installed on the play yard 1000a. In this example, the canopy cover assembly 400b can cover half of the interior space 102 (i.e., the canopy cover assembly 400b is a half canopy cover).

[0226] 36A-36E again illustrate that canopy cover assembly 400b can include multiple canopy support assemblies 410 that are coupled to frame 100a and provide a support structure that, when attached to the canopy support assemblies 410, defines a desired shape for canopy cover 440. However, in comparison to canopy cover assembly 400a, canopy support assembly 410 of canopy cover assembly 400b can include a canopy bow 412 that, instead of a central hub, is directly coupled to two canopy clips 420b that are attached to different leg support assemblies 110a of frame 100a. For example, Figures 36A and 36C show that a canopy cover assembly 400b can include two canopy support assemblies 410, with the canopy bows 412 of each canopy support assembly 410 connected to two non-adjacent leg support assemblies 110a. The canopy bows 412 can overlap and / or cross each other, as shown in Figure 36C.

[0227] In this example, the canopy bow 412 can include multiple bow sections 416 that are coupled together via a connector 415. The connector 415 can be a tubular shaped component that receives each end of the two bow sections 416. In some implementations, each bow section 416 can be coupled to the connector 415 via fasteners and / or integral snap fingers that are inserted through corresponding openings on the connector 415.

[0228] Canopy clip 420b can incorporate some of the same features as canopy clip 420a described above. For example, Figures 36D and 36E show that canopy clip 420b can include a base 422 with a snap fit feature 424, a canopy bow opening 426 for receiving one end of the canopy bow 412, a mounting hole 432 for securely connecting the canopy bow 412 to the canopy clip 420b, an opening 434 for accessing an elastic cord in the canopy bow 412, and a hook 428 for securing a tether 442 of a canopy cover 440 to the canopy clip 420. Compared to canopy clip 420a, canopy bow opening 426 of canopy clip 420b may be tilted so that the portion of canopy bow 412 connected to canopy clip 420b is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the leg tube 112 of leg support assembly 110a to ensure that the canopy bow 412 extends above a central portion of interior space 102, as shown in FIG. 36C.

[0229] 37A-37C show another exemplary canopy cover assembly 400c with the canopy cover 440 not connected to the frame 100a of the play yard 1000a. The canopy cover assembly 400c can also cover half of the interior space 102, similar to the canopy cover assembly 400b. However, the canopy support assemblies 410 of the canopy cover assembly 400c can be joined together by the hubs 450b in the canopy cover assembly 400a. As shown, the canopy support assemblies 410 can include the canopy bow 412 and the canopy clips 420a described above. In this example, the canopy support assemblies 410 can be connected to enough leg support assemblies 110a to cover half of the interior space 102, as shown in FIG. 37C.

[0230] 38A and 38B again illustrate that the hub 450b can include a base 451 with an opening 452 for receiving the second end 413b of each canopy bow 412. As shown, the opening 452 can be formed as a socket that rigidly couples the second end 413b to the hub 450a such that the second end 413b of each canopy bow 412 is translationally and rotationally constrained to the hub 450b. In some implementations, the second end 413b can be coupled to the hub 450b via a fastener and / or a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0231] 39A and 39B show another hub 450c for the canopy cover assembly 400c that allows the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412 to be rotatable relative to the base 451 such that the canopy cover assembly 400c can be folded. The hub 450c can incorporate some of the same features as the hub 450a described above. For example, the base 451 can include a slot 453 for receiving a pin 454 attached to the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412. The slot 453 and the pin 454 can allow the canopy bow 412 to rotate about an axis 460. The base 451 can further include a lip 457 disposed on a bottom side of the base 451 to limit the rotational movement of the canopy bow 412.

[0232] 40A and 40B show yet another hub 450d for the canopy cover assembly 400c. As shown, the hub 450d can include a base 451 with an opening 456 extending along a curved side of the base 451. The opening 456 can be shaped to receive the second ends 413b of the multiple canopy bows 412, as shown in FIG. 40A. The base 451 can further include holes 455 on the top and bottom sides of the base 451 to couple the second ends 413b of each canopy bow 412 to the base 451. In some implementations, a pin (not shown) can be inserted through the opening 455 and a corresponding opening (not shown) on the canopy bow 412 to allow the second ends 413b of each canopy bow 412 to rotate about an axis 461, as shown in FIG. 40A. This can then allow the canopy cover assembly 400c to be folded by rotating each of the canopy bows 412 about a corresponding axis 461 to one side of the hub 450d so that the canopy bows 412 are approximately parallel or parallel to one another. In some implementations, fasteners can instead be inserted through the openings 455 to rigidly connect each canopy bow 412 to the hub 450d (i.e., the second ends 413b of the canopy bows 412 do not rotate relative to the base 451).

[0233] Bassinet Accessories

[0234] The foldable play yard can also include a bassinet accessory to provide an elevated surface for supporting a child in the first few months of life (e.g., an infant, a child weighing less than 15 pounds). When a child outgrows the bassinet accessory, the bassinet accessory can be removed and the interior space of the foldable play yard can be used to accommodate the child as described above. In this manner, the foldable play yard can be reconfigured by a caregiver to accommodate the child's physical development, thus extending the life time of the play yard. When the bassinet accessory is installed on the play yard, the play yard can be considered to be in "bassinet mode". When the bassinet accessory is removed from the play yard, the play yard can be considered to be in "play yard mode".

[0235] 41A and 41B show a playard 1000b with an exemplary bassinet accessory 500a in an unfolded, extended configuration. As shown, the bassinet accessory 500a may be disposed within an upper portion of the partially enclosed space 301 defined by the soft goods 300. The bassinet accessory 500a may define a separate, relatively smaller partially enclosed space 501 that is disposed within the partially enclosed space 301 and accommodates a child in the extended configuration. The bassinet accessory 500a may generally include a support structure 520 that physically defines the partially enclosed space 501. The support structure 520 can also facilitate folding and extending the bassinet accessory 500a along with the frame 100b and soft goods 300, thus simplifying the setup and takedown of the playard 1000b (i.e., the caregiver is not required to remove the bassinet's support structure to fold the playard or to install the support structure each time the playard is unfolded).

[0236] The support structure 520 can include a bassinet soft goods 522 with side surfaces 524 and a bottom surface 526 that physically surround at least a portion of the partially enclosed space 501. The support structure 520 can further include a hub 550 and a plurality of support tubes 540, which together form a foldable structure. The hub 550 can be formed from a plastic material (e.g., via injection molding). The support tubes 540 can be formed from a variety of rigid materials, including, but not limited to, aluminum and steel. In an extended configuration, the hub 550 and support tubes 540 provide a rigid platform for supporting the mattress 510 (see, e.g., FIG. 43). The mattress 510 can then provide a cushioned surface 511 positioned above the ground surface 90 to support the child.

[0237] It should also be appreciated that the bassinet accessories disclosed herein can be installed on different playards (e.g., playards having different frame shapes than those shown in Figures 41A and 41B). For example, referring again to Figure 23A, the bassinet accessory 500a can also be installed on a foldable playard 1000c in the same manner as the playard 1000b.

[0238] The bassinet accessory 500a may be sized and / or shaped such that the partially enclosed space 501 extends laterally to the boundary of the partially enclosed space 301 of the soft goods 300 (and in some cases, to the boundary of the interior space 102 of the frame 100b when the soft goods 300 are disposed along the boundary of the interior space 102). For example, FIGS. 41A and 41B show that the bassinet soft goods 522 can extend to the side portion 306 of the soft goods 300. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a may be shaped and / or shaped such that a gap is formed between the side portion 306 of the soft goods 300 and the bassinet soft goods 522. For example, referring back to FIG. 23A, this figure shows that a gap is formed between the side portion 306 and the bassinet soft goods 522 due to the curved shape of the leg support assembly 110c.

[0239] In some implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a can define a partially enclosed space 501 having a cross-sectional shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the partially enclosed space 301 (and, in some implementations, the interior space 102). For example, FIGS. 41A and 41B show that the partially enclosed space 501 can have a rectangular cross-sectional shape that extends to the side portion 306 of the soft goods 300. In some implementations, the lateral dimensions of the partially enclosed space 501 can remain constant (or remain substantially constant, since the bassinet soft goods 522 can be deformed by the soft goods 300), such that the three-dimensional volume of the partially enclosed space 501 is shaped as a right-angled prism.

[0240] 41A and 41B also show that the bassinet soft goods 522 can be coupled to the upper portion 302 of the soft goods 300 such that the bassinet soft goods 522 hangs below the upper portion 302. As a result, the bassinet accessory 500a can be positioned below the upper side of the play yard 1000b. For simplicity, the partially enclosed space 501 can include the space between the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 and the upper side (e.g., the upper horizontal plane 92) of the play yard 1000b. The presence of the bassinet accessory 500a can further divide the partially enclosed space 301 such that the bottom portion 301a of the partially enclosed space 301 is formed below the bassinet accessory 500a.

[0241] The bassinet accessory 500a can provide a relatively shallow partially enclosed space 501 to improve accessibility. This can allow the bassinet accessory 500a to reduce the physical strain experienced by the caregiver because the caregiver will not have to bend forward as much when placing the child directly into (or removing) the partially enclosed space 301 of the soft goods 300. Additionally, the shallow bassinet accessory 500a can also provide greater visibility of the child, especially when the caregiver is viewing the playard 1000b from an elevated position (e.g., when viewing the top of the playard 1000b).

[0242] The bassinet accessory 500a has a height h, defined as the distance from each bottom corner portion 537 of the bassinet soft goods 522 to the upper horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000b, in an extended configuration, as shown in FIG. t,1 Also, the height h t,1 corresponds to the height of the partially enclosed space 501. In some implementations, the height ht,1 can range between 7.5 inches and about 12 inches. In some implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a also has a height h, which is defined as the distance from the top surface 511 of the mattress 510 to the top horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000b. m When the mattress 510 is uncompressed (e.g., when a child is not resting on the mattress 510), the height h m can range between 7.5 inches and about 10 inches. The bottom portion 301a also has a height h defined as the distance from the ground surface 90 to the bottom surface 526. b In some implementations, the height h b can be about 18 inches or more.

[0243] The term "about" refers to the height dimension h t,1 , h b , and h m When used to describe, it is intended to cover manufacturing tolerances and / or variations due to variations in the soft goods 300 and / or bassinet soft goods 522. For example, "about 12 inches" may correspond to a height ranging between 11.75 inches and 12.25 inches, or between 11.5 inches and 12.5 inches. In another example, "about 10 inches" may correspond to a height ranging between 9.75 inches and 10.25 inches, or between 9.5 inches and 10.5 inches. In another example, "about 18 inches" may correspond to a height ranging between 17.75 inches and 18.25 inches, or between 17.5 inches and 18.5 inches.

[0244] In some implementations, the height h of the bassinet accessory 500a t,1 , and / or the height h of the bottom portion 301a bmay remain substantially unchanged between the folded and extended configurations. For example, the support tube 540 and the hub 550 may only cause the bassinet accessory 500a to fold along the lateral direction (i.e., the height h) when the bassinet accessory 500a is folded with the playard 1000b. t,1 (The lateral dimension of the partially enclosed space 501 decreases while the width of the partially enclosed space 501 remains substantially unchanged.) Moreover, the leg support assembly 110a is capable of remaining upright between the folded and extended configurations, as described above, and thus has a height h b can remain substantially unchanged.

[0245] In another example, the frame 100b can flare outward when extended, for example, to improve the mechanical stability of the play yard 1000b. Alternatively, as shown in the side view of FIG. 41C, the play yard frame 100c with curved legs can be equipped with a bassinet accessory, similar to that shown in FIG. 23E. In FIG. 41C, the bassinet soft goods are not shown to clarify the relative positions of the hub 550 and the support tube 540 when viewed from the side in the extended configuration. Although the bassinet soft goods are not explicitly shown in FIG. 41C, the figure nevertheless shows that the bottom corners 537 of each of the bassinet soft goods will be positioned at the distal ends of the respective support tubes 540. FIG. 41C shows the overall height H of the frame 100c. 1 , as well as their respective heights h as discussed above. t,1 and h b is also shown.

[0246] Additionally, it should be appreciated that when folding the playard 1000b, the bassinet accessory 500a (and, among other things, the bassinet soft goods 522) may become folded and / or crumpled. These factors may affect the height h of the bassinet accessory 500a between the folded and extended configurations. t,1 and / or the height h of the bottom portion 301a b For example, the height h in the extended configuration can be t,1 is the height h in the folded configuration t,2 (See, for example, FIG. 52.) However, the height h t,1 and h b The variation in length and height h of the support tube 540 and the hub 550 can be sufficiently small so that the support tube 540 and the hub 550 remain disposed near or within the interior space 102 of the play yard 1000b. In other words, as described below, for example, the length and height h of the support tube 540 can be varied. t,1 and h b The dimensional relationship between is height h t,1 and h b In some implementations, the height h t,1 and h b may increase or decrease by less than an inch.

[0247] In some implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a can meet various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F2194). Thus, the combination of the play yard 1000b and the bassinet accessory 500a can together meet ASTM F406 and ASTM F2194 as described above. For example, the bassinet accessory 500a (and, among other things, the hub 550 and the support tube 540) can provide a sufficiently flat platform for the mattress 510 to rest on, such that the angle between adjacent segments 512 of the mattress 510 is less than 7 degrees. Additionally, the bassinet accessory 500a can be free of openings having a diameter in the range between 0.210 inches and 0.375 inches to prevent fingers from being trapped. The bassinet accessory 500a can further be free of components that are subject to scissoring or shearing motion. The bassinet accessory 500a (and thus the playard 1000b) is capable of supporting a static load of 54 pounds or three times the manufacturer's recommended weight (whichever is greater) for at least 60 seconds. The bassinet accessory 500a may be sized and / or shaped such that any gap between the edge of the mattress 510 and the side surface 524 of the bassinet soft goods 522 is less than 0.5 inches. Additionally, the height h from the top surface 511 of the mattress 510 to the top side 92 of the playard 1000b may be 0.05 inches. m can be 7.5 inches or more.

[0248] 42A and 42B show that the mattress 510 can be removed from the bassinet accessory 500a and / or the playard 1000b for use in both the bassinet mode and the playard mode of the foldable playard 1000b. Specifically, FIG. 42A shows the playard 1000b in the bassinet mode (i.e., the bassinet accessory 500a is installed on the playard 1000b) with the mattress 510 disposed on the hub 550 and the support tube 540. FIG. 42B shows the playard 1000b in the playard mode (i.e., the bassinet accessory 500a is removed from the playard 1000b) with the mattress 510 disposed on the floor portion 304 of the soft goods 300 (e.g., the mattress 510 rests on the ground). The mattress 510 can be a foldable component that, when extended, provides a flat cushioned surface 511 for a child to play and / or sleep on, and, when folded, provides a compact structure for storage with the other components of the playard 1000b.

[0249] In some implementations, the mattress 510 can be a segmented mattress with multiple panels 512 that are folded relative to one another along corresponding creases formed between adjacent panels 512. For example, FIGS. 42A and 42B show that the mattress 510 can include four panels 512, with one panel 512 in a folded state for demonstration purposes. In addition to providing a flat cushioned surface 511 for supporting a child, the mattress 510 can also be wrapped around the frame 100b, soft goods 300, and support structure 520 when the playard 1000b is folded for storage (see, e.g., FIG. 45A). In some implementations, the mattress 510 can include one or more straps 514 disposed on a bottom side opposite the cushioned surface 511 to securely connect opposing panels 512 of the mattress 510 together and restrain the frame 100b, thus maintaining the playard 1000b in the folded configuration. The mattress 510 can further include a handle 516 for a caregiver to carry the playard 1000b along with the bassinet accessory 500a.

[0250] FIG. 43 shows the bassinet accessory 500a with the mattress 510 removed, thus exposing the hub 550, the support tube 540, and the remaining portions of the bassinet soft goods 522. The side surfaces 524 and the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 may be formed from flexible materials, including but not limited to fabric, mesh, and plastic. In some implementations, at least a portion of the side surfaces 524 may be transparent and / or see-through. Moreover, the transparent and / or see-through portions of the bassinet soft goods 522 may overlap the transparent and / or see-through portions of the soft goods 300, effectively providing the caregiver with one or more windows to monitor their child within the partially enclosed space 501.

[0251] In some implementations, the top portion of the side surface 524 may be formed from a fabric material to attach the bassinet accessory 500a to the soft goods 300, while the bottom portion of the side surface 524 may be formed from a transparent and / or see-through material. With respect to the bassinet accessory 500a, the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 may not include an opening large enough for a user to insert a hand through and into the bottom portion 301a of the playard 1000b. In other words, the bassinet soft goods 522 in the bassinet accessory 500a may prevent a user from accessing the bottom portion 301a of the playard 1000b. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the bottom surface 526 may include a partial opening (see, for example, the bassinet accessory 500b) to facilitate folding the bassinet accessory and the playard together.

[0252] The bassinet accessory 500a may generally be coupled to the soft goods 300 (or directly to the frame 100b) via a coupling mechanism that allows the bassinet accessory 500a to be easily removable from the playard 1000b, for example, when a child outgrows the bassinet accessory 500a. The bassinet accessory 500a may generally be coupled to the soft goods 300 and / or frame 100b in a number of ways (including, but not limited to, zipper mechanisms and straps) (e.g., one strap connected to the bassinet accessory 500a may extend over a portion of the soft goods 300 that covers the corner portion 130 and clip onto a corresponding strap coupled to the frame 100b via a buckle).

[0253] For example, FIG. 44A shows that the bassinet accessory 500a can be connected to the soft goods 300 via a zipper mechanism 527. As shown, the top edge of the side surface 524 can support one set of zipper teeth 529 and a zipper handle 528 that connects to another set of zipper teeth 340 disposed on the inside bottom edge of the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300. Thus, the bassinet accessory 500a can be suspended from the inside side of the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 via the bassinet soft goods 522. In other words, the zipper mechanism 527 can be disposed in the partially enclosed space 501 along the bassinet soft goods 522 and the inside side of the top portion 302 such that the zipper mechanism 527 is not observable from the outside of the play yard 1000b.

[0254] FIG. 43 shows that the bassinet soft goods 522 is placed at the height h of the bassinet accessory 500a. t,1 Height h smaller than sgHowever, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the bassinet soft goods 522 can extend over the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 and can be coupled to the soft goods 300 and / or frame 100b along the exterior of the playard 1000b. For these implementations, the height h sg Bassinet accessory 500a height h t,1 It is possible that the θ is approximately equal to or equal to θ.

[0255] A caregiver can align and attach zipper teeth 340 and 529 via zipper handle 528 to install bassinet accessory 500a onto playard 1000b. Additionally, a caregiver can easily remove bassinet accessory 500a from playard 1000b by pulling zipper handle 528 to disengage zipper teeth 340 and 529. Once bassinet accessory 500a is removed from playard 1000b, bassinet accessory 500a can be folded and stored separately, as shown in FIG. 44B.

[0256] The zipper mechanism 527 generally spans at least a portion of the side surface 524 and can securely couple the bassinet accessory 500a to the soft goods 300. In some implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a and the soft goods 300 can include multiple zipper mechanisms 527, each spanning a different portion of the side surface 524, such that collectively, the multiple zipper mechanisms 527 span the entire top edge of the side surface 524. The zipper mechanism 527 generally can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, unwanted openings formed between the side surface 524 and the top portion 302.

[0257] As described above, the support tubes 540 and the hubs 550 can form a foldable structure that is generally disposed on the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 to facilitate folding and / or extending the bassinet accessory 500a with the frame 100b. As shown in FIG. 43, the hubs 550 can be disposed at or near the center of the bottom surface 526, and the support tubes 540 can extend radially from the hubs 550 to each corner portion 537 of the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522. In other words, the support tubes 540 can be disposed along a diagonal segment of the bottom surface 526 (i.e., a line segment connecting corner portions of the bottom surface 526 that do not share the same edge).

[0258] To facilitate folding and / or extending the bassinet accessory 500a, each support tube 540 may be rotatably coupled to the hub 550. In particular, each support tube 540 may have a first end 542a rotatably coupled to the hub 550 and a second end 542b opposite the first end 542a, disposed at one corner portion 537 of the bassinet soft goods 522. Additionally, the support tube 540 and / or the hub 550 may be directly coupled to the bassinet soft goods 522 via one or more attachment mechanisms such that the bassinet soft goods 522 moves with the support tube 540 and / or the hub 550 when folding and / or extending the bassinet accessory 500a. The attachment mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, straps, screw fasteners, webbing tabs, and fabric tunnels.

[0259] In some implementations, the attachment mechanism can be disposed at or near the opposing ends 542a and 542b of each support tube 540 to ensure that the center and side portions of the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 are folded together with the support tube 540 and the hub 550. For example, FIG. 43 shows that the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 can include a strap 530 that forms a fabric tunnel through which the support tube 540 is inserted. The strap 530 can be disposed near the first end 542a of the support tube 540 and can be sewn directly onto the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522. For example, the support tube 540 can be sewn together with the first end 542a of the support tube 540. t and the strap 530 may have a length L t 44B further illustrates that the second end 542b of each support tube 540 can be fastened directly to the bassinet soft goods 522 via a screw fastener 534a, which is inserted from the bottom side of the bottom surface 526 through an opening 532 in the corner portion 537. In some implementations, the strap 530 can be positioned sufficiently close to the hub 550 such that at least a portion of the strap 530 physically contacts the hub 550. FIG. 44B further illustrates that the second end 542b of each support tube 540 can be fastened directly to the bassinet soft goods 522 via a screw fastener 534a, which is inserted from the bottom side of the bottom surface 526 through an opening 532 in the corner portion 537.

[0260] In the extended configuration, the support tubes 540 and hub 550 provide a flat platform to support the mattress 510, as shown in FIG. 43, where the support tubes 540 are oriented substantially horizontally or horizontally along the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522. In the folded configuration, the support tubes 540 rotate relative to the hub 550 such that the support tubes 540 are oriented substantially vertically or vertically. With respect to the bassinet accessory 500a, the hub 550 moves upward when the bassinet accessory 500a is extended and, conversely, moves downward when the bassinet accessory 500a is folded.

[0261] In some implementations, the end 542b of each support tube 540 can remain stationary or substantially stationary relative to the ground 90 (e.g., the bassinet soft goods 522 can deform, causing the end 542b and / or the corner portion 537 to change slightly, as described above). In other words, the end 542b of each support tube can be raised to a height h above the ground 90 even as the end 542b is laterally displaced as the bassinet accessory 500a is folded and extended. b Thus, as the hub 550 is displaced vertically, the support tubes 540 are able to rotate relative to the hub 550, with the end 542b of each support tube 540 acting as a pivot point that is constrained to move only laterally (e.g., a pin joint disposed within a slider joint).

[0262] In some implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a and the playard 1000b may be shaped and / or dimensioned such that the hub 550 and the support tube 540 remain substantially or entirely within the interior space 102 in both the folded and extended configurations. In other words, the bassinet accessory 500a does not increase the overall size of the foldable playard 1000b. This is due to the height h of the bottom portion 301a that separates the bottom surface 526 from the ground 90 in the extended configuration. b The length L of each support tube 540 is approximately equal to or less than t The ends 542b of each support tube 540 are at the same or similar heights h above the ground 90. b 4. In some implementations, the height h b is the length L of the support tube 540 t 5, such that in the folded configuration, hub 550 is also contained entirely within interior space 102.

[0263] The support tube 540 and hub 550 of the bassinet accessory 500a are spaced apart from the relatively shallow height, h, of the partially enclosed space 501. t,1 (which, for a given height H of the play yard 1000b, results in a larger height h for the bottom portion 301a. bIt should be appreciated that the support tube 540 may be formed from a single rigid component, simplifying manufacture and assembly of the bassinet accessory 500a. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the length of the support tube may be varied between the folded and extended configurations to ensure that the bassinet accessory remains substantially enclosed within the interior space 102 of the playard 1000b (see, for example, the telescoping support tube 540 in the bassinet accessory 500b).

[0264] 45A-45C show a series of views illustrating the process of extending the foldable playard 1000b and the bassinet accessory 500a. Specifically, FIG. 45A shows the foldable playard 1000b in a folded configuration. As shown, the bassinet accessory 500a is fully contained within the interior space 102 of the playard 1000b and is therefore not observable in FIG. 45A. Additionally, FIG. 45A shows that a mattress 510 can be wrapped around the frame 100b to maintain the playard 1000b in the folded configuration.

[0265] To extend the playard 1000b with the bassinet accessory 500a, the mattress 510 is first removed from the frame 100b. The caregiver can then pull the slider 120 toward the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a to at least partially extend the frame 100b. In some implementations, the caregiver can pull the slider 120 until the latch mechanism 200a is engaged, thus locking the frame 100b in the extended configuration. Because the bassinet soft goods 522 are connected to the soft goods 300, the bassinet accessory 500a can also at least partially extend in response to the frame 100b extending. However, the weight (i.e., gravity) of the support tube 540 and hub 550 can cause the bassinet accessory 500a to sag downward even when the frame 100b is locked in the unfolded extended configuration.

[0266] To prevent the support tube 540 and hub 550 from sagging downward, the hub 550 can include a hub latch 570 with a release handle 576 that, when in a locked state, prevents the support tube 540 from rotating relative to the hub 550. Alternatively, while extending the bassinet accessory 500a, the hub latch 570 can be in an unlocked state, allowing a caregiver to pull on the hub latch 570 and rotate the support tube 540. As shown in FIGS. 45B and 45C, when the hub latch 570 is pulled upward (see A in FIG. 45C), the support tube 540 can rotate toward a horizontal orientation that corresponds to the extended configuration. As the bassinet accessory 500a is extended, the hub latch 570 can be rotated (see B in FIG. 45C) to change the hub latch 570 from an unlocked state to a locked state, thus maintaining the support tube 540 and hub 550 in the desired extended configuration. The hub 550 further includes an integrated mechanical stop 554 that can prevent the hub 550 from moving further upward once the hub 550 and support tube 540 are in the unfolded, extended configuration. This ensures that the caregiver cannot move the hub 550 beyond the desired extended configuration.

[0267] Additionally, conventional play yard typically includes a bottom support structure that folds with the frame. When extending the play yard, the caregiver must bend over and reach through an opening in the bassinet soft goods to push down on the bottom support structure to ensure that it is properly extended. In contrast, the play yard 1000b may not include a separate bottom support structure as described above. This means that the caregiver does not need to bend over and reach down toward the floor portion 304 of the soft goods 300 when extending the bassinet accessory 500a with the play yard 1000b. Rather, the caregiver can pull the hub latch 570, which is already positioned above the ground 90 when the bassinet accessory 500a is partially extended in response to extending the frame 100b. In this way, the caregiver can experience less physical strain when extending the bassinet accessory 500a.

[0268] To collapse the playard 1000b and the bassinet accessory 500a, a caregiver can release the hub latch 570 (and latch mechanism 200a), push down on the hub 550, and / or move the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a downward toward the corresponding foot 114. Thus, unlike conventional bassinet accessories (e.g., the support tube assembly 64 in the bassinet accessory 60), the bassinet accessory 500a can be extended and folded, respectively, without assembling and disassembling any portion of the bassinet accessory 500a.

[0269] 46A and 46B show several views of the hub 550 and hub latch 570 in a locked state. FIGS. 47A and 47B show several views of the hub 550 and hub latch 570 in an unlocked state. As shown, the hub 550 can include a base 551 with a channel 552 for receiving a respective support tube 540. The hub 550 can further include a pair of snap-fit ​​hooks 555 for each channel 552, where each pair of snap-fit ​​hooks 555 is disposed on opposite sides of the corresponding channel 552 and on a bottom side of the hub 550. The snap-fit ​​hooks 555 are shaped to receive a pin 544 coupled to the support tube 540 to facilitate rotation of the support tube 540. As such, each pair of snap-fit ​​hooks 555 defines a rotation axis 556 about which the support tube 540 rotates relative to the hub 550.

[0270] The channel 552 can extend from an edge of the base 551 to an end 567 that is located near the center of the base 551. The channel 552 can have a length L that corresponds to the distance between the edge of the base 551 and the end 567. c As shown, channel 552 may have a notched opening on the top side of base 551 that extends from the edge of base 551 and terminates before reaching end 567. The bottom side of channel 552 may have a mechanical stop 554 (e.g., a section of hub 550 that extends across channel 552 around support tube 540) disposed at the edge of base 551 and an opening 553 that extends from mechanical stop 554 to end 567 of channel 552.

[0271] The features of the channel 552 (e.g., the notched opening, the mechanical stop 554, the opening 553) can be shaped, sized, and positioned to constrain the rotational movement of the support tube 540. In particular, when folding or extending the bassinet accessory 500a, the channel 552 can only allow the support tube 540 to rotate between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation. For example, the notched opening allows the support tube 540 to rotate such that the end 542b can be disposed above the hub 550 when folding the bassinet accessory 500a. In another example, the mechanical stop 554 can be shaped to physically contact the support tube 540 when the support tube 540 is oriented horizontally. In this manner, the mechanical stop 554 can limit the rotation of the support tube 540 when extending the bassinet accessory 500a such that the hub 550 cannot move beyond a desired extended configuration.

[0272] As described above, the hub 550 may further include a hub latch 570. When the hub latch 570 is in a locked state, the combination of the hub 550 and the hub latch 570 prevents the support tube 540 from moving relative to the hub 550, and thus prevents the hub 550 from moving relative to the playard 1000b. In this manner, the hub latch 570 locks the bassinet accessory 500a in the extended configuration.

[0273] The hub latch 570 may be rotatably coupled to the base 551 via a roll rivet 566 disposed in the center of the base 551. As shown in FIG. 46A, the hub latch 570 may include a base 572 disposed in a central opening 558 of the base 551. The hub latch 570 may include a release handle 576 for a caregiver to grab and pull when extending the bassinet accessory 500a. The hub 550 may further include a number of hooks 560 disposed on a bottom side of the base 551 and around a periphery of the base 572 of the hub latch 570 to provide additional mechanical support to the hub latch 570. Among other things, the hooks 560 may impose a mechanical constraint that limits the hub latch 570 to only rotational movement about the roll rivet 566.

[0274] To lock the support tubes 540, the hub latch 570 can include an arm 574 for each support tube 540 extending radially from a base 572. FIG. 46B shows that in the locked state, each arm 574 can be disposed over the opening 553 of the corresponding channel 552. Thus, the combination of the arm 574 and the mechanical stop 554 can be effective for clamping to constrain and prevent movement of the support tube 540 relative to the hub 550. FIGS. 47A and 47B show that when the hub latch 570 is rotated to the unlocked state, the arm 574 no longer covers the opening 553 of the respective channel 552, allowing the support tube 540 to rotate relative to the hub 550 toward the collapsed configuration.

[0275] In some implementations, the hub 550 can further include a spring element 565 (e.g., a torsion spring) that generates a spring bias to rotate the hub latch 570 toward the locked state. To ensure that the hub latch 570 does not move beyond the locked state (e.g., the arm 574 moves beyond the opening 553), the hub 550 can include a mechanical stop 562 (e.g., a rib projecting downwardly from the base 551) against which the arm 574 rests. The mechanical stop 562 is positioned on the base 551 such that the arm 574 is disposed over a corresponding opening 553.

[0276] FIG. 48 illustrates another exemplary bassinet accessory 500b coupled to a playard 1000b. As illustrated, the bassinet accessory 500b can include a support structure 520 that defines a partially enclosed space 501 for accommodating a child in an extended configuration. The support structure 520 can include a bassinet soft goods 522 with side surfaces 524 and a bottom surface 526 that enclose at least a portion of the partially enclosed space 501. The support structure 520 can further include a hub 550 and a support tube 540, which form a foldable structure to facilitate folding and extending the bassinet accessory 500b. In the extended configuration, the support tube 540 and the hub 550 can form a flat platform for supporting a mattress (not shown).

[0277] It should also be appreciated that the bassinet accessory 500b can be mounted on other playards. For example, FIG. 52 shows that the bassinet accessory 500b can be mounted on the playard 1000c described above.

[0278] The bassinet soft goods 522, support tube 540, and hub 550 of the bassinet accessory 500b can incorporate similar features described above with respect to the bassinet accessory 500a. For the sake of brevity, these features will not be repeated below. Additionally, the shape and dimensions (height h t,1 , h b , and h m ) can be similar or the same as the dimensions described above with respect to bassinet accessory 500a, and bassinet accessory 500b can meet various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F2194) as described above with respect to bassinet accessory 500a.

[0279] FIG. 48 shows that the hub 550 can be disposed at or near the center of the bottom surface 526, and the support tubes 540 can extend radially from the hub 550 to each corner portion 537 of the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522, similar to the bassinet accessory 500a. The support tubes 540 can be rotatably (e.g., pivotally) coupled to the hub 550 to facilitate folding and extending the bassinet accessory 500b. The support tubes 540 can also be directly coupled to the bassinet soft goods 522 via one or more attachment mechanisms, such that the bassinet soft goods 522 move with the support tubes 540 and the hub 550 when folding and extending the bassinet accessory 500b. It should be appreciated that in other implementations, the bassinet soft goods 522 can be coupled to the hub 550.

[0280] In this example, the hub 550 moves upward when folding the bassinet accessory 500b, and conversely, moves downward when extending the bassinet accessory 500b. The benefit of this approach is that the bassinet accessory 500b can maintain the unfolded, extended configuration without a separate locking mechanism (e.g., hub latch 570), thus simplifying the hub 500. In the extended configuration, the support tube 540 and hub 550 can again provide a flat platform for supporting the mattress 510, where the support tube 540 is substantially horizontally or horizontally oriented along the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522. In the folded configuration, the support tube 540 rotates (e.g., pivots) relative to the hub 550 such that the support tube 540 is substantially vertically or vertically oriented, and in the folded configuration, the end 542b of the support tube is disposed below the hub 550.

[0281] Again, the hub 550 may include an integrated mechanical stop 554 to prevent the hub 550 from moving beyond the extended configuration when the support tube 540 is horizontally aligned. However, in comparison to the bassinet accessory 500a, the weight of the hub 550 and / or the support tube 540 does not cause the bassinet accessory 500b to extend. Rather, the weight of the hub 550, the support tube 540, the child, and / or the mattress 510 applies a force that extends the bassinet accessory 500b and subsequently maintains the bassinet accessory 500b in the extended configuration. In this manner, the process of extending the bassinet accessory 500b may be simplified.

[0282] However, one challenge is that the bassinet accessory 500b may provide a relatively shallow partially enclosed space 501. For example, in the folded configuration, the length L of the support tube 540 may bet,1 The bassinet accessory 500b height h t,1 Similar to the bassinet accessory 500a, the distal end 542b of each support tube 540 in the bassinet accessory 500b can remain stationary or substantially stationary relative to the ground 90. In other words, the distal end 542b of each support tube is elevated to a height h from the upper horizontal plane 92 of the play yard 1000b when the end 542b is displaced laterally as the bassinet accessory 500b is folded and extended. t,1 If the length of the support tube 540 remains constant (e.g., the support tube is formed from a single rigid component), rotation of the support tube 540 from a horizontal orientation in the extended configuration to a vertical orientation in the folded configuration will cause the hub 550 and a portion of the support tube 540 to protrude above the upper horizontal plane 92 of the play yard 1000b in the folded configuration, thus increasing the overall size of the foldable play yard 1000b in the folded configuration.

[0283] To reduce the extent to which the bassinet accessory 500b protrudes above the upper horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000b in the folded configuration, the support tube 540 may be telescopic, and the length L of the support tube 540 in the extended configuration may be t,1 but the shorter length L in the folded configuration t,2 Thus, in some implementations, the length L of the support tube 540 in the extended configuration t,1 The bassinet accessory 500b height h t,1 while the length L of the support tube 540 in the folded configuration t,2 is the height t,1It should be appreciated that in some implementations, the height of the bassinet accessory 500b can vary between the folded and extended configurations. For example, FIG. 52 shows that the bassinet accessory 500b has a height of h t,2 , which may have a height in the extended configuration h due to, for example, deformation of the bassinet soft goods 522. t,1 For these implementations, the length L of the support tube 540 in the extended configuration is different from t,1 is the height h t,1 and the length L of the support tube 540 in the collapsed configuration remains greater than t,2 is the height h t,2 Approximately equal to or less than.

[0284] To extend the playard 1000b with the bassinet accessory 500b, the caregiver can remove the mattress 510 wrapped around the frame 100b, as described above. The caregiver can then move the slider 120 toward the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a to extend the frame 100b. When the slider 120 is operated sufficiently to engage the latch mechanism 200a, the frame 100b is locked in the extended configuration. As described above, extending the frame 100b can cause the bassinet accessory 500b to at least partially extend. In some implementations, the weight of the hub 550 and the support tube 540 can be sufficient to ensure that the bassinet accessory 500b extends without any external force applied by the caregiver. In some implementations, the caregiver can simply push down on the hub 550 to extend the bassinet accessory 500b. In some implementations, a caregiver can place the mattress 510 on the hub 550, and the weight of the mattress 510 can ensure that the bassinet accessory 500b is in the extended configuration. Similar to the bassinet accessory 500a, the bassinet accessory 500b can be extended without the caregiver having to reach down toward the floor portion 304, which can reduce the physical strain experienced by the caregiver when extending the bassinet accessory 500b.

[0285] FIG. 49A-49D show a series of views illustrating the process of folding the play yard 1000b and the bassinet accessory 500b. FIG. 49A shows that the hub 550 can include a central opening 558 and the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 can include a central opening 536. To fold the play yard 1000b and the bassinet accessory 500b, the caregiver can first disengage the latch mechanism 200a on the frame 100b. The caregiver can then reach their hands / arms through the central openings 558 and 536 to access the bottom portion 301a of the play yard 1000b. FIG. 49B shows that the floor portion 304 of the soft goods 300 can include a strap 342. As the caregiver reaches into the bottom portion 301a, the caregiver can pull the strap 342 in an upward direction along with the floor portion 304 of the soft goods 300. FIG. 49C shows that the caregiver can continue to pull the strap 342 through the central openings 536 and 558, which causes the floor portion 304 to contact a portion of the bassinet soft goods 522 and / or hub 550. As the caregiver continues to pull the strap 342 further, the contact between the floor portion 304 and the bassinet soft goods 522 and / or hub 550 causes the hub 550 to move upward and the support tube 540 to rotate, such that the end 542b moves downward relative to the hub 550 (see arrows in FIG. 49C). The caregiver can continue to pull the strap 342 until the playard 1000b and bassinet accessory 500b are folded, as shown in FIG. 49D.

[0286] In some implementations, the play yard 1000b and bassinet accessory 500b can be folded without the caregiver having to insert their hand / arm through the central openings 536 and 558. Instead, the caregiver can pull up on the hub 550 and / or move the slider 120 down towards the foot portion 114 to fold the play yard 1000b and bassinet accessory 500b. Once the play yard 1000b is folded, the caregiver can lay the play yard 1000b on its side and push the floor portion 304 into the interior space 102 before wrapping the mattress 510 around the frame 100b. In this way, the caregiver does not have to bend down to reach down to the floor portion 304.

[0287] In some implementations, the length L of the support tube 540 in the collapsed configuration t,2 The length L of the support tube 540 may be adjusted such that the hub 550 is disposed completely within the interior space 102 (i.e., the hub 550 does not extend significantly beyond the upper horizontal plane 92). t,2The hub 550 may be adjusted so that the hub 550 protrudes above the upper horizontal plane 92 with the bottom side of the hub 550 flush with the upper horizontal plane 92. This configuration may be preferential when the external width of the hub 550 is greater than or equal to the width of the interior space 102 in the folded configuration. Under these conditions, if the hub 550 is disposed in the interior space 102, the lateral dimensions of the play yard 1000b may increase, which may be undesirable. Thus, by positioning the hub 550 directly above the play yard 1000b, the lateral dimensions of the frame 100b in the folded configuration may be kept small without significantly increasing the height of the play yard 1000b in the folded configuration (i.e., the lateral dimensions would be the same when the play yard 1000b does not include the bassinet accessory 500b). In some implementations, the top side of the hub 550 can extend above the top horizontal plane 92 of the play yard 1000b by a distance of an inch or less.

[0288] 50A-50C show several views of the bassinet accessory 500b removed from the playard 1000b. As shown, the central opening 536 of the bassinet soft goods 522 may be aligned with the central opening 558 of the hub 550. In some implementations, the central opening 536 may have a width equal to or less than the exterior width of the hub 550. In other words, the central opening 536 may be accessible only from the central opening 558 and not from the sides of the hub 550. It should be appreciated that in other implementations, the hub 550 and / or the bassinet soft goods 522 may not include the central openings 536 and 558, respectively. Instead, the caregiver may fold the bassinet accessory 500b by pulling the hub 550 as described above.

[0289] FIG. 50A further illustrates that each support tube 540 can have a first support tube 546a coupled to the hub 550 and a second support tube 546b telescopically coupled to the first support tube 546a. As shown, the first support tube 546a can have a larger width (or diameter) such that a portion of the second support tube 546b can be disposed within the first support tube 546a. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the first support tube 546a can have a smaller width than the second support tube 546b such that a portion of the first support tube 546a can be disposed within the second support tube 546b. The relative lengths of the first and second support tubes 546a and 546b are determined based on the desired length L in the extended configuration. t,1 and providing a desired length L in the folded configuration. t,2 For example, the length L t,1 may be selected such that end 542b extends to corner portion 537, and length L t,2 is the height h as explained above. t,1 (or height h t,2 ) may be approximately equal to or less than.

[0290] In some implementations, the support tube 540 can include a spring element (not shown) disposed within the first support tube 546a that provides a biasing force to extend the length of the support tube 540 (e.g., the spring element can move the second support tube 546b away from the first support tube 546a). Additionally, one or both of the support tubes 546a and 546b can include a mechanical stop (not shown) that limits the extent to which the second support tube 546b extends from the first support tube 546a. Moreover, the first support tube 546a and the second support tube 546b can overlap in the extended configuration. For example, FIG. 51A shows an overlap section 548. In some implementations, the overlap section 548 can have a length of approximately 1.5 inches to ensure that in the extended configuration, the support tube 540 has sufficient mechanical rigidity to support the bassinet accessory 500b.

[0291] 51A and 51B further illustrate that each support tube 540 can be directly connected to the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 via a strap 530 with a fastener 534b disposed near the end 542a of the first support tube 546a. As shown in FIG. 51A, the strap 530 can include a fastener 534a for connecting the strap 530 to the first support tube 546a. The strap 530 can be further sewn directly into the bottom surface 526 to form a fabric tunnel that physically contacts the hub 550. FIG. 51B further illustrates that the fastener 534a can connect the bassinet soft goods 522 to the end 542b of the second support tube 546b. As shown, the fastener 534a can be inserted from the bottom side of the bottom surface 526 through an opening (not shown) at or near the corner portion 537.

[0292] Similar to the bassinet accessory 500a, the bassinet accessory 500b may be coupled to the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 via a plurality of zipper mechanisms 527. In this manner, a caregiver may easily remove the bassinet accessory 500b from the playard 1000b for cleaning or storage. FIG. 50C shows the bassinet accessory 500b folded for storage. Again, the hub 550 may include a base 551 with a plurality of channels 552 for receiving the support tubes 540. The channels 552 may provide support for the pins 544 mounted on the respective support tubes 540 to facilitate rotation of the support tubes 540 relative to the hub 550. As shown in FIG. 50C, the top side of the channels 552 may be covered by a section of the base 551 corresponding to the mechanical stop 554, while the bottom side of the channels 552 may be exposed. Thus, when the bassinet accessory 500b is folded, the support tube 540 can rotate such that the end 542b of the support tube 540 is disposed below the hub 550. When the support tube 540 is oriented horizontally in the extended configuration, the mechanical stop 544 can physically contact the support tube 540, thus preventing the hub 550 from moving beyond the extended configuration.

[0293] FIG. 52 shows that the bassinet accessory 500b can be installed on the playard 1000c in a similar manner to the playard 1000b. For clarity, the bassinet soft goods 522 are not shown. Instead, FIG. 52 shows the planes 538 corresponding to the bottom corner portions 537 of each of the bassinet soft goods 522 for reference. As shown, the hub 550 can be disposed above the upper horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000c such that the bottom side of the hub 550 is flush with the upper horizontal plane 92. As explained above, this arrangement can ensure that the frame 100c can be folded to its minimum lateral dimension without significantly increasing the height of the playard 1000c due to the addition of the bassinet accessory 500b. FIG. 52 also shows the support tube 540 in its contracted state, with the second support tube 546b disposed almost completely within the first support tube 546a. conclusion

[0294] All parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary, and the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the particular use or application in which the teachings of the present invention are used. It is to be understood that the foregoing embodiments have been presented primarily by way of example, and that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, embodiments of the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein.

[0295] In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure, provided such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of each element of the exemplary implementations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The use of numerical ranges does not exclude equivalents that fall outside the ranges that fulfill the same function in the same way to produce the same results.

[0296] Also, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, at least one example of which has been provided. The acts performed as part of a method may, in some cases, be ordered in a different manner. Thus, in some implementations of the invention, each act of a given method may be performed in an order different from that specifically illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously (even when such acts are shown as sequential acts in an illustrative embodiment).

[0297] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0298] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to govern any dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0299] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used in the specification and claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."

[0300] The phrase "and / or" as used herein and in the claims should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined (i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases). Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be interpreted in the same manner (i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined). Other elements can optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B," when used with open-ended language such as "comprising," can refer in one embodiment to only A (optionally including elements other than B), in another embodiment to only B (optionally including elements other than A), in yet another embodiment to both A and B (optionally including other elements), and so forth.

[0301] As used herein and in the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as inclusive (i.e., including at least one (including more than one) of a plurality of elements or a list of elements, and, optionally, including additional unlisted items). Only terms clearly indicating the contrary (e.g., "only one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of") will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a plurality of elements or a list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., "one or the other, but not both") when preceded by terms of exclusivity (e.g., "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of," etc.). "Consisting essentially of," when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0302] As used herein and in the claims, the phrase "at least one" in reference to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed in the list of elements, and not excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for elements to be optionally present in addition to those elements specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B" or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") can refer in one embodiment to at least one A (optionally including more than one) and no B (and optionally including elements other than B), in another embodiment to at least one B (optionally including more than one) and no A (and optionally including elements other than A), in yet another embodiment to at least one A (optionally including more than one) and at least one B (optionally including more than one) (and optionally including other elements), etc.

[0303] In the claims and in the above specification, all transitional phrases (e.g., "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," and "composed of") are to be understood to be open-ended (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to"). Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Chapter 2111.03. [Additional note 1] A foldable play yard (1000b) having a compact folded configuration for storage and an unfolded extended configuration for placement on a ground surface (90) to accommodate a child (50), said foldable play yard comprising: a frame (100b) defining an interior space (102) for accommodating the child when the foldable playard is in the unfolded, extended configuration, the frame comprising: a plurality of leg support assemblies (110a) extending upwardly from the ground surface when the frame is in the extended configuration, each leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies being disposed on a corresponding side edge (104) of the interior space and connected only via a folding mechanism (140a, 140b) to another leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies separated by a single side surface (106); A frame (100b) comprising: soft goods (300) connected to a plurality of said leg support assemblies; a bassinet accessory (500b) coupled to the soft goods and disposed within the interior space to support the child in an elevated position above the ground surface; Equipped with A foldable playard (1000b), wherein the frame, the soft goods, and the bassinet accessory fold together when the foldable playard is transformed into the compact folded configuration, and extend together when the foldable playard is transformed into the unfolded extended configuration. [Additional note 2] The bassinet accessory includes: A support structure (520), comprising: - a bassinet soft goods (522) having a plurality of side surfaces (524) and a bottom surface (526); a plurality of support tubes (540), the plurality of support tubes (540) being disposed along the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods in the unfolded, expanded configuration and supporting a mattress (510); A support structure (520) comprising: The foldable play yard according to claim 1, comprising: [Additional note 3] The foldable playard of claim 2, wherein the bassinet accessory further comprises a mattress (510), the mattress (510) being disposed on a plurality of the support tubes in the unfolded, extended configuration to support the child. [Additional note 4] 4. The foldable playard of claim 3, wherein the mattress (510) has an upper surface (511) that is offset from the upper side (92) of the foldable playard by a distance ranging between 7.5 inches and approximately 10 inches. [Additional note 5] Each bottom corner portion (537) of the bassinet soft goods extends from the top horizontal plane (92) of the frame by a height (h t,1 3. The foldable playard of claim 2, wherein the playard is offset by a distance of 1.5 inches from the base of the playard, and the height is in the range of between 7.5 inches and about 12 inches. [Additional note 6] Each bottom corner portion (537) of the bassinet soft goods extends from the top horizontal plane (92) of the frame by a height (h t,1 ), Each support tube of the plurality of support tubes has a first length (L) that is greater than the height in the deployed, extended configuration. t,1 ), and the first length (L t,1 ) has a second length (L ) that is approximately equal to or less than the height in the compact folded configuration. t,2 ) A foldable playard as described in appendix 2, which can be transformed into a playard. [Additional note 7] Each support tube of the plurality of support tubes includes an end portion (542a); The foldable playard described in Appendix 6, wherein each support tube of the plurality of support tubes is oriented vertically in the compact folded configuration when the bassinet accessory is installed on the foldable playard so that the end is positioned above the upper horizontal plane of the foldable playard by a distance of approximately 1 inch or less. [Additional note 8] Each support tube of the plurality of support tubes comprises: a first support tube (546a); a second support tube (546b) telescopically connected to the first support tube; The foldable play yard according to claim 6, comprising: [Additional note 9] The bassinet accessory further comprises a hub (550), the hub (550) being disposed over a central portion of the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods in the extended configuration; 9. The foldable playard of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of support tubes is pivotally connected to the hub. [Additional Note 10] 10. The foldable playard of claim 9, wherein when transitioning from the unfolded, extended configuration to the compact, folded configuration, the hub moves upwardly, away from the ground surface, and the plurality of support tubes rotate relative to the hub. [Additional Note 11] 11. The foldable playard of claim 10, wherein the hub is flush with the upper horizontal plane (92) of the foldable playard in the compact folded configuration. [Additional Note 12] 10. The foldable playard of claim 9, wherein when transitioning from the unfolded, extended configuration to the compact, folded configuration, the hub moves downward toward the ground surface and the plurality of support tubes rotate relative to the hub. [Additional Note 13] 13. The foldable playard of claim 12, wherein the hub is provided with a hub latch (570) for constraining vertical downward movement of the hub when actuated, thereby maintaining the support structure in the unfolded, extended configuration. [Additional Note 14] each of the plurality of leg support assemblies has an upper portion (108), the upper portion of each of the plurality of leg support assemblies defining an upper horizontal plane (92) of the foldable play yard; The foldable play yard of claim 1, wherein the foldable play yard has a height (H) defined as the distance between the ground surface and the upper horizontal plane, and the height (H) remains substantially constant between the unfolded, extended configuration and the compact, folded configuration. [Additional Note 15] A foldable play yard (1000b) having a compact folded configuration for storage and an unfolded extended configuration for placement in an upright position on a ground surface (90) to accommodate a child (50), said foldable play yard comprising: a frame (100b) defining an interior space (102) for accommodating the child when the foldable playard is in the unfolded, extended configuration, the frame comprising: a plurality of leg support assemblies (110a) extending upwardly from the ground surface when the frame is in the extended configuration, each leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies comprising: a bottom end (113b) supported by the ground surface; and *An upper portion (108) opposite said bottom end a plurality of leg support assemblies (110a) comprising: a plurality of X-frame assemblies (140a) coupled to the plurality of leg support assemblies, each X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies being coupled to an upper portion of a respective adjacent leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies when the frame is in the unfolded, extended configuration such that in the unfolded, extended configuration of the frame, the plurality of X-frame assemblies form an upper perimeter structure (109) of the frame that outlines the interior space of the foldable play yard; A frame (100b) comprising: soft goods (300), said soft goods (300) being connected to a plurality of said leg support assemblies and covering a plurality of said X-frame assemblies; a bassinet accessory (500b) coupled to the soft goods and disposed within the interior space to support the child in an elevated position above the ground surface; Equipped with A foldable playard (1000b), wherein the frame, the soft goods, and the bassinet accessory fold together when the foldable playard is transformed into the compact folded configuration, and extend together when the foldable playard is transformed into the unfolded extended configuration. [Additional Note 16] The bassinet accessory includes: A support structure (520), comprising: - a bassinet soft goods (522) having a plurality of side surfaces (524) and a bottom surface (526); a plurality of support tubes (540), the plurality of support tubes (540) being disposed along the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods in the unfolded, expanded configuration and supporting a mattress (510); A support structure (520) comprising: The foldable play yard according to claim 15, comprising: [Additional Note 17] The foldable playard of claim 16, wherein the bassinet accessory further comprises a mattress (510), the mattress (510) being disposed on a plurality of the support tubes in the unfolded, extended configuration to support the child. [Additional Note 18] 18. The foldable play yard of claim 17, wherein the mattress (510) has an upper surface (511) that is offset from an upper horizontal plane (92) of the foldable play yard by a distance ranging between 7.5 inches and approximately 10 inches. [Additional Note 19] The bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods is in the unfolded, extended configuration at a height (h t,1 17. The foldable playard of claim 16, wherein the height is in the range of between 7.5 inches and about 12 inches. [Additional Note 20] The bassinet accessory includes: a hub (550), said hub (550) being disposed over a central portion of said bottom surface of said bassinet soft goods in said unfolded, extended configuration; Further equipped with 17. The foldable playard of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of support tubes is rotatably connected to the hub. [Additional Note 21] each of the plurality of leg support assemblies has an upper portion (108), the upper portion of each of the plurality of leg support assemblies defining an upper horizontal plane (92) of the foldable play yard; The foldable play yard of claim 15, wherein the foldable play yard has a height (H) defined as the distance between the ground surface and the upper horizontal plane, and the height (H) remains substantially constant between the unfolded, extended configuration and the compact, folded configuration. [Additional note 22] A foldable play yard (1000b), the foldable play yard (1000b) defining an interior space (102) when the foldable play yard is in an extended configuration, the foldable play yard comprising: A frame (100b), comprising: a plurality of leg support assemblies (110a), each leg support assembly comprising: a leg tube (112) disposed along a side edge (104) of the interior space, the leg tube having an upper end (113a) disposed at an upper apex (105) of the interior space; a corner portion (130) connected to the upper end of the leg tube; and a slider (120) slidably coupled to the leg tube such that the slider is disposed proximate to the corner when the foldable playard is in the extended configuration; a plurality of leg support assemblies (110a); a plurality of X-frame assemblies (140a, 140b) positioned on each side (106) of the interior space between adjacent leg support assemblies, each X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies forming an upper rail between adjacent leg support assemblies; A frame (100b) comprising: soft goods (300), said soft goods (300) being connected to a plurality of said leg support assemblies and covering a plurality of said X-frame assemblies; a bassinet accessory (500b) coupled to the soft goods and disposed within the interior space for supporting a child in an elevated position above a ground surface, the bassinet accessory comprising: - a bassinet soft good (522) having a plurality of side surfaces (524) and a bottom surface (526), ​​said bottom surface being spaced apart from an upper side (92) of said foldable playard by a height (h) in said unfolded, extended configuration; t,1 ), said height ranging between 7.5 inches and about 12 inches; - a plurality of support tubes (540) disposed along the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods; A bassinet accessory (500b) comprising: Equipped with the sliders in the plurality of leg support assemblies are identical; the corner portions of the plurality of leg support assemblies are identical; A foldable playard (1000b), wherein each pair of leg support assemblies are connected together only via at least one X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies. [Additional Note 23] A bassinet accessory (500b) for a foldable playard (1000b), the foldable playard having a compact folded configuration for storage and an unfolded extended configuration for placement in an upright position on a ground surface (90) to accommodate a child (50), the foldable playard defining an upper horizontal plane (92) and having a playard height (H) between the ground surface and the upper horizontal plane, the bassinet accessory comprising: A support structure (520), comprising: - a bassinet soft goods (522) having a plurality of side surfaces (524) and a bottom surface (526), ​​said bottom surface having a plurality of corner portions (537), said plurality of corner portions (537) being configured to conform to the playground when said bassinet accessory is installed on said foldable playard; * A first height (h) between each of the plurality of corner portions and the upper horizontal plane of the foldable play yard in the unfolded, extended configuration. t,1 ), and * A second height (h) between each of the corner portions of the plurality of corner portions and the upper horizontal plane of the foldable play yard in the compact folded configuration. t,2 ) Bassinet soft goods (522) and - a plurality of support tubes (540) disposed along the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods, each support tube of the plurality of support tubes having a first length (L) greater than the first height in the unfolded, extended configuration; t,1 ), and the first length (L t,1 ) has a second length (L ) that is approximately equal to or less than the second height in the compact folded configuration. t,2 ) a plurality of support tubes (540) A support structure (520) comprising: Equipped with a bassinet accessory (500b). [Additional note 24] The bassinet accessory of claim 23, further comprising a mattress (510), the mattress (510) disposed on a plurality of the support tubes and supporting the child when the bassinet accessory is installed on the foldable playard and when the foldable playard is in the unfolded, extended configuration. [Additional note 25] The bassinet accessory of claim 24, wherein when the bassinet accessory is placed on the foldable playard, the mattress (510) has an upper surface (511) that is offset from the upper horizontal plane (92) of the foldable playard by a distance in the range of between 7.5 inches and approximately 10 inches in the unfolded, extended configuration. [Additional note 26] The bassinet accessory of claim 23, wherein the first height is equal to the second height. [Additional note 27] 24. The bassinet accessory of claim 23, wherein the first height is in the range of between 7.5 inches and approximately 12 inches. [Additional note 28] Each support tube of the plurality of support tubes includes an end portion (542a); The bassinet accessory of claim 23, wherein when the bassinet accessory is placed on the foldable playard and when the foldable playard is in the compact folded configuration, the ends of each of the plurality of support tubes are disposed above the upper horizontal plane of the foldable playard by a distance of about 1 inch or less. [Additional note 29] The bassinet accessory of claim 23, wherein the plurality of side surfaces support a portion of a zipper mechanism (527) for attaching the bassinet accessory to the foldable playard when the bassinet accessory is installed on the foldable playard. [Additional note 30] The support structure includes: a hub (550), said hub (550) disposed adjacent a central portion of said bottom surface of said bassinet soft goods and pivotally connected to each of said plurality of support tubes; Further equipped with The bassinet accessory of claim 23, wherein each of the plurality of support tubes extends from the hub to a corresponding one of the plurality of corner portions of the bassinet soft goods. [Additional note 31] The bassinet accessory of claim 30, wherein when the bassinet accessory is installed on the foldable playard and when the foldable playard is in the compact folded configuration, the bottom surface of the hub is flush with the upper horizontal plane of the foldable playard. [Additional note 32] Each support tube of the plurality of support tubes comprises: a first support tube (546a) pivotally connected to the hub; a second support tube (546b) telescopically connected to the first support tube; The bassinet accessory according to claim 30, comprising: [Additional note 33] The bassinet accessory of claim 30, wherein the hub includes a plurality of mechanical stops (554) for facilitating deployment of the bassinet accessory from the compact folded configuration to the unfolded extended configuration when the bassinet accessory is installed on the foldable playard. [Additional note 34] when the bassinet accessory is installed on the foldable playard and when the foldable playard is transitioning from the compact folded configuration to the unfolded extended configuration, the hub moves downwardly toward the ground surface and the plurality of support tubes rotate relative to the hub; The bassinet accessory of claim 33, wherein when the bassinet accessory is in the unfolded, extended configuration, the mechanical stops respectively prevent the hub from moving further downward and the support tubes from rotating further relative to the hub. [Additional note 35] 34. The bassinet accessory of claim 33, wherein the support structure is maintained in the deployed, extended configuration based on the weight of at least one of the hub, the support tube, or the child. [Additional note 36] Each of the plurality of support tubes has a proximal end (542a) pivotally connected to the hub and a distal end (542b) disposed at one of the plurality of corner portions; The bassinet accessory described in claim 30, wherein each of the plurality of support tubes is directly connected to the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods via a first attachment mechanism (530) disposed near the proximal end and a second attachment mechanism (534a) disposed at the distal end, so that the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods and the plurality of support tubes move together when the plurality of support tubes rotate relative to the hub. [Additional note 37] The bassinet accessory of claim 36, wherein each of the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism comprises at least one of a strap (530) or a screw fastener (534a, 534b). [Additional note 38] the proximal end and the distal end of each support tube of the plurality of support tubes are separated by a first distance; The bassinet accessory of claim 36, wherein the first attachment mechanism connecting the support tube to the bassinet soft goods is offset from the proximal end of the support tube by a second distance that is less than 50% of the first distance. [Additional note 39] The bassinet accessory of claim 38, wherein the first attachment mechanism is disposed sufficiently close to the proximal end of the support tube such that at least a portion of the first attachment mechanism physically contacts the hub. [Additional note 40] The hub has an exterior width and includes a first central opening (558); The bassinet accessory of claim 30, wherein the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods includes a second central opening (536) aligned with the first central opening of the hub, the second central opening having a width less than or equal to the outer width of the hub. [Additional note 41] The bassinet accessory according to any one of claims 23 to 40, in combination with the foldable playard (1000b), the foldable playard (1000b) having the compact folded configuration and the unfolded extended configuration, the foldable playard comprising: A frame (100b) defining an interior space (102), said frame comprising: a plurality of leg support assemblies (110a), the plurality of leg support assemblies (110a) extending upwardly from the ground surface in the unfolded, extended configuration, each leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies being coupled to another leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies via a folding mechanism (140a, 140b); A frame (100b) comprising: soft goods (300) connected to a plurality of said leg support assemblies; Equipped with the bassinet accessory is coupled to the soft goods of the foldable play yard and disposed within the interior space of the frame to support the child in an elevated position above the ground surface; The frame, the soft goods, and the bassinet accessory fold together when the foldable playard is transformed into the compact folded configuration, and extend together when the foldable playard is transformed into the unfolded extended configuration. [Additional note 42] The bassinet accessory according to claim 23 in combination with the foldable playard (1000b), wherein the foldable playard (1000b) has the compact folded configuration and the unfolded extended configuration, and the foldable playard comprises: A frame (100b) defining an interior space (102), said frame comprising: a plurality of leg support assemblies (110a), the plurality of leg support assemblies (110a) extending upwardly from the ground surface in the unfolded, extended configuration, each leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies being coupled to another leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies via a folding mechanism (140a, 140b); A frame (100b) comprising: soft goods (300) connected to a plurality of said leg support assemblies; Equipped with the bassinet accessory is coupled to the soft goods of the foldable play yard and disposed within the interior space of the frame to support the child in an elevated position above the ground surface; The frame, the soft goods, and the bassinet accessory fold together when the foldable playard is transformed into the compact folded configuration, and extend together when the foldable playard is transformed into the unfolded extended configuration. [Additional note 43] Each leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies comprises: a bottom end (113b) supported by the ground surface; - an upper portion (108) opposite said bottom end; Equipped with 43. The combination of claim 42, wherein the folding mechanism comprises an X-frame assembly (140a) coupled to an upper portion of each of adjacent ones of the plurality of leg support assemblies when the frame is in the unfolded, extended configuration such that in the unfolded, extended configuration of the frame, the plurality of X-frame assemblies form an upper perimeter structure (109) of the frame that outlines the interior space. [Additional note 44] The combination of claim 42, wherein each leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies is disposed on a respective side edge (104) of the interior space and is connected via only the folding mechanism to another adjacent leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies separated by a single side surface (106). [Additional note 45] the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods divides the interior space and defines a bottom portion (301a) of the interior space that is disposed below the bassinet accessory; 43. The combination of claim 42, wherein the foldable playard changes from the compact folded configuration to the unfolded extended configuration without a user having access to the bottom portion of the interior space. [Additional note 46] each leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies includes an upper portion (108), the upper portions of the plurality of leg support assemblies defining the upper horizontal plane of the foldable play yard; 43. The combination of claim 42, wherein the height (H) of the foldable play yard remains substantially constant between the unfolded, extended configuration and the compact, folded configuration. [Additional note 47] The first height (h) between each of the corner porti...

Claims

1. A bassinet accessory (500b) for a foldable playard (1000b), the foldable playard having a compact folded configuration for storage and an unfolded, extended configuration for placement on a ground surface (90) to accommodate a child (50), the foldable playard having a frame (100b) defining an interior space (102) for accommodating the child when the foldable playard is in the unfolded, extended configuration, the bassinet accessory comprising: a support structure (520) connectable to the frame (100b) and disposable in the interior space, the support structure (520) supporting the child in an elevated position above the ground surface; a bassinet soft goods connected to the support structure; Equipped with The bassinet accessory (500b), wherein the support structure and the bassinet soft goods are configured to fold together with the foldable playard when the foldable playard is transformed into the compact folded configuration and to extend together when the foldable playard is transformed into the unfolded extended configuration.

2. The bassinet soft goods include a plurality of side surfaces (524) and a bottom surface (526), ​​and the bassinet accessory includes: a plurality of support tubes (540) disposed along the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods in the unfolded, extended configuration and supporting a mattress (510); The bassinet accessory of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The bassinet accessory of claim 2 , wherein the mattress (510) is disposed over a plurality of the support tubes in the unfolded, extended configuration.

4. 3. The bassinet accessory of claim 2, wherein each support tube of the plurality of support tubes comprises a first support tube (546a) and a second support tube (546b) telescopically connected to the first support tube.

5. a hub (550) disposed on a central portion of the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods in the extended configuration of the foldable play yard; The bassinet accessory of claim 4 , wherein each support tube of the plurality of support tubes is pivotally connected to the hub.

6. The bassinet accessory of claim 5, wherein when the foldable playard transitions from the unfolded, extended configuration to the compact, folded configuration of the foldable playard, the hub moves upwardly, away from the ground surface, and the plurality of support tubes rotate relative to the hub.

7. The bassinet accessory of claim 5 , wherein each support tube of the plurality of support tubes extends radially from the hub to a corner of the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods.

8. The bassinet accessory of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of support tubes is directly connected to the bassinet soft goods via one or more attachment mechanisms such that the bassinet soft goods move together with the plurality of support tubes and the hub when the bassinet soft goods are folded and extended.

9. 6. The bassinet accessory of claim 5, wherein the hub includes at least one mechanical stop configured to prevent the hub from moving beyond the extended configuration when the support tube is aligned approximately horizontally with respect to the ground surface.

10. 6. The bassinet accessory of claim 5, wherein the hub includes a first central opening and the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods includes a second central opening, and a user can reach through the first and second central openings to facilitate transition to the compact folded configuration.

11. The bassinet accessory of claim 1 , wherein the bassinet accessory (500b) is connectable to and detachable from the foldable playard (1000b).

12. The bassinet accessory of claim 11, wherein the bassinet accessory is connectable to an upper portion of the bassinet soft goods via at least one zipper mechanism (527).

13. 5. The bassinet accessory of claim 4, wherein each support tube of the plurality of support tubes includes a spring element disposed within a first support tube and in contact with a second support tube to provide a biasing force to extend a length of the support tube.

14. 5. The bassinet accessory of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first support tube and the second support tube includes a mechanical stop, the mechanical stop configured to limit the extent to which the second support tube extends from the first support tube.

15. The bassinet accessory of claim 4 , wherein each support tube of the plurality of support tubes is coupled to the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods via a strap or fastener.

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